Gouty Oak Gall Wasp
Callirhytis quercuspunctata
This record describes Callirhytis quercuspunctata (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The larvae inside the galls may take one or two years to reach maturity.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Callirhytis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Forms galls on a variety of oaks in the red oak group.
Life History
Spring generation causes small, blister-like galls on leaves; summer generation causes large, multi-celled stem/twig galls.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Bassett, 1863
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Callirhytis quercuspunctata. 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 Gouty Oak Gall Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Gouty Oak Gall Wasp
What is Gouty Oak Gall Wasp?
Gouty Oak Gall Wasp (Callirhytis quercuspunctata) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
What does Gouty Oak Gall Wasp eat?
The diet of the Gouty Oak Gall Wasp includes Forms galls on a variety of oaks in the red oak group..
What is the life cycle of a Gouty Oak Gall Wasp?
Spring generation causes small, blister-like galls on leaves; summer generation causes large, multi-celled stem/twig galls.