Callirhytis seminosa
This record describes Callirhytis seminosa (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Woody stem galls in red oak, abrupt, surface very irregular, cells near surface and very numerous.
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
Habitat
Forms galls in red oak
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Callirhytis seminosa. 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 Callirhytis seminosa (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Callirhytis seminosa
What is Callirhytis seminosa?
Callirhytis seminosa is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Callirhytis seminosa?
Woody stem galls in red oak, abrupt, surface very irregular, cells near surface and very numerous.
Where is Callirhytis seminosa found?
Habitat: Forms galls in red oak