Andricus callidoma
This record describes Andricus callidoma (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae of the gall wasp Andricus callidoma cause galls to form on Oak. The asexual gall emerges from an unopened bud. The stalk is 3 to 5 mm long and can be much longer, the gall itself is approximately 2 x 4 mm with a pointed tip. The sexual gall is on oak catkins, and forms a ball c.5mm wide of white cottonwool-like hairs. Andricus malpighii casuses very similar asexual galls, and the adults may need to be bred from the gall to identify. Where Oak (the host species) is present. Uncommon and little recorded in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Cynipidae
- Genus
- Andricus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Oak (the host species) is present.
Seasonal Activity
May to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommon and little recorded in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andricus callidoma. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Andricus callidoma (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Andricus callidoma
What is Andricus callidoma?
Andricus callidoma is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Andricus callidoma found?
Habitat: Where Oak (the host species) is present.
When is Andricus callidoma active?
Andricus callidoma: seasonal activity - May to September..