Gray Midrib Gall Wasp
Besbicus multipunctatus
This record describes Besbicus multipunctatus (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Besbicus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Quercus douglasii (blue oak).
Life History
Larvae develop in galls on the underside of blue oak leaves.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Besbicus multipunctatus. 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 Gray Midrib Gall Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by ceiseman , mileszhang
Frequently Asked Questions About Gray Midrib Gall Wasp
How big is Gray Midrib Gall Wasp?
8mm in diameter
What does Gray Midrib Gall Wasp eat?
The diet of the Gray Midrib Gall Wasp includes Quercus douglasii (blue oak)..
What is the life cycle of a Gray Midrib Gall Wasp?
Larvae develop in galls on the underside of blue oak leaves.