Atrusca brevipennata
This record describes Atrusca brevipennata (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Induces sphere shaped oak-apple galls on leaves of Quercus turbinella, grisea, gambelli, and Quercus x undulata. The galls are usually light yellow with red vein-like stripes running vertical from the top of the gall. The similar Atrusca bella complex lacks these red markings, or has them much fainter than on A. brevipennata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Atrusca
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southwestern USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Atrusca brevipennata. 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 Atrusca brevipennata
What is Atrusca brevipennata?
Atrusca brevipennata is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Atrusca brevipennata?
Induces sphere shaped oak-apple galls on leaves of Quercus turbinella, grisea, gambelli, and Quercus x undulata. The galls are usually light yellow with red vein-like stripes running vertical from the top of the gall. The similar Atrusca bella complex lacks these red markings, or has them much fainter than on A. brevipennata.
Where is Atrusca brevipennata found?
Range: Southwestern USA