Wool Sower Gall Wasp
Callirhytis seminator
This record describes Callirhytis seminator (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
White with pink spots detachable stem gall on Quercus alba . Many celled. The gall has a distinctly stick surface when fresh and droplets have been observed. Parasitoid:
Wikipedia reference for Callirhytis seminator: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callirhytis_seminator.
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.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Spring gall.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
From Felt 1940, page 21, "The light brown, woolly flower gall of what has been called the wool sower is followed in the next generation by the production of seed-like kernels beside the acorns."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Callirhytis seminator. 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 Wool Sower Gall Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , ceiseman , Edward Ruden , Marci Hess , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Wool Sower Gall Wasp
What is Wool Sower Gall Wasp?
Wool Sower Gall Wasp (Callirhytis seminator) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Wool Sower Gall Wasp?
Around 20mm in diameter.
How do you identify Wool Sower Gall Wasp?
White with pink spots detachable stem gall on Quercus alba . Many celled.
When is Wool Sower Gall Wasp active?
Wool Sower Gall Wasp: seasonal activity - Spring gall..
What is the life cycle of a Wool Sower Gall Wasp?
From Felt 1940, page 21, The light brown, woolly flower gall of what has been called the wool sower is followed in the next generation by the production of seed-like kernels beside the acorns.