Druon ignotum
This record describes Druon ignotum (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forms galls on the undersides of veins of leaves in the white oak group, composed of seedlike cells in groups, covered by wool. Felt describes the galls as oval, rather thick-shelled, brown leaf vein gall, at first woolly, later naked, length 1/8 inch, diameter 1/16 inch, on swamp white oak [ Quercus bicolor ]. Krombein et al. also list bur oak ( Quercus macrocarpa ) as a host. Weld clarifies that the galls drop with the leaves in the fall and the wool weathers away during the winter.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Druon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
MA, CT, IL, MN
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults emerge in March or April and oviposit in buds .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Druon ignotum. 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 Druon ignotum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by mileszhang
Frequently Asked Questions About Druon ignotum
What is Druon ignotum?
Druon ignotum is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Druon ignotum found?
Range: MA, CT, IL, MN
What is the life cycle of a Druon ignotum?
Adults emerge in March or April and oviposit in buds .