California Gall Wasp
Andricus quercuscalifornicus
This record describes Andricus quercuscalifornicus (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Many other insects, especially other wasp species, are parasites, inquilines, and hyperparasites of this wasp.
Wikipedia reference for Andricus quercuscalifornicus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andricus_quercuscalifornicus.
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
Southern Washington through Oregon and California to northern Mexico.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host plants are white oaks.
Life History
Females lay eggs on stems. After the eggs hatch, galls develop around the larvae, which grow inside the galls while feeding on the gall material. Only parthenogenetic females are known for this species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andricus quercuscalifornicus. 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 California Gall Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About California Gall Wasp
What is California Gall Wasp?
California Gall Wasp (Andricus quercuscalifornicus) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is California Gall Wasp?
Galls can be up to 8 by 12 cm. Adult wasps are among the largest cynipids, at around 5mm.
Where is California Gall Wasp found?
Range: Southern Washington through Oregon and California to northern Mexico.
What does California Gall Wasp eat?
The diet of the California Gall Wasp includes Host plants are white oaks..
What is the life cycle of a California Gall Wasp?
Females lay eggs on stems. After the eggs hatch, galls develop around the larvae, which grow inside the galls while feeding on the gall material. Only parthenogenetic females are known for this species.