Belonocnema treatae
This record describes Belonocnema treatae (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Spur on the anterior side of fore tibia shorter than basitarsus, approximately the same length as tibial spurs. Middle tibia without a spur. Asexual generation (Antennae with 14 in females or 15 in males with F1 excavated segments) scutellar foveae shallow, weakly delimited posteriorly, separated broadly by a ridge. Rs vein thickened and infumated. Sexual generation (Antennae with 13 segments) yellowish brown in color, areolet in fore wing large and distinct . Galls from west of Gautier, Mississippi are B. kinseyi, this appears to be a hybrid zone between the two species. Specimens collected around this area from Q. virginiana cannot be accurately identified without the adults . Similar galls in Georgia/Florida could be from this species (almost exclusively on Q. virginiana , rarely on Q. geminata ), or B. fossoria (exclusively on Q. geminata ).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Belonocnema
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Mississippi (east of Gautier), Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Q. virginiana , rarely Q. geminata
Life History
Females of the bisexual generation induce leaf galls, from which unisexual females emerge. Unisexual females induce root galls.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Belonocnema treatae. 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 Belonocnema treatae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by mileszhang , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Belonocnema treatae
What is Belonocnema treatae?
Belonocnema treatae is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Belonocnema treatae?
Spur on the anterior side of fore tibia shorter than basitarsus, approximately the same length as tibial spurs. Middle tibia without a spur. Asexual generation (Antennae with 14 in females or 15 in males with F1 excavated segments) scutellar foveae shallow, weakly delimited posteriorly, separated broadly by a ridge. Rs vein thickened and infumated. Sexual generation (Antennae with 13 segments) yellowish brown in color, areolet in fore wing large and distinct .
Where is Belonocnema treatae found?
Range: Mississippi (east of Gautier), Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina
What does Belonocnema treatae eat?
The diet of the Belonocnema treatae includes Q. virginiana , rarely Q. geminata.
What is the life cycle of a Belonocnema treatae?
Females of the bisexual generation induce leaf galls, from which unisexual females emerge. Unisexual females induce root galls.