Andricus pilularis
This record describes Andricus pilularis (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Induces leaf galls on Quercus arizonica, gambelli, oblongifolia, rugosa, toumeyi, and turbinella. They are small and integral to the leaf, with the bottom half of the gall protruding on the ventral side of the leaf. The gall causes the edge of the leaf near it to be pinched or warped.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Andricus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Likely throughout host ranges.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andricus pilularis. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andricus pilularis
What is Andricus pilularis?
Andricus pilularis is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Andricus pilularis?
Approx. 4 mm in diameter
How do you identify Andricus pilularis?
Induces leaf galls on Quercus arizonica, gambelli, oblongifolia, rugosa, toumeyi, and turbinella. They are small and integral to the leaf, with the bottom half of the gall protruding on the ventral side of the leaf. The gall causes the edge of the leaf near it to be pinched or warped.
Where is Andricus pilularis found?
Range: Likely throughout host ranges.