Disholcaspis lacuna
This record describes Disholcaspis lacuna (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This wasp induces globular bullet galls on Quercus gambelli stems. They are tinged with pink when fresh and turn uniformly brown with age. These galls are always found in clusters of 3 or more.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Disholcaspis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Throughout range of host species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Disholcaspis lacuna. 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 Disholcaspis lacuna (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua C'deBaca
Frequently Asked Questions About Disholcaspis lacuna
What is Disholcaspis lacuna?
Disholcaspis lacuna is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Disholcaspis lacuna?
Galls: 12-20 mm diameter
How do you identify Disholcaspis lacuna?
This wasp induces globular bullet galls on Quercus gambelli stems. They are tinged with pink when fresh and turn uniformly brown with age. These galls are always found in clusters of 3 or more.
Where is Disholcaspis lacuna found?
Range: Throughout range of host species.