Pumpkin Gall Wasp
Dryocosmus minusculus
This record describes Dryocosmus minusculus (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
From Russo : This cynipid wasp induces tiny, 1 mm wide, pumpkin-shaped galls on the upper surface of the leaves of coast live, interior live and California black oaks. When fresh in late spring and summer, these monothalamous galls are light yellow with dark red or purple centers. As the galls mature and lose their color, they assume the appearance of Lilliputian-like pumpkins with several lines or furrows radiating towards the depressed centers. In fall, most galls drop to the ground, where they blend in with the leaf matter...Fresh and active galls can be found just about any time of year as you go from one region to another. Adults emerge the following April and the cycle starts again. Species author is Weld, 1952.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Dryocosmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
See Identification section.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Dryocosmus minusculus. 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 Pumpkin Gall Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Gall Wasp
What is Pumpkin Gall Wasp?
Pumpkin Gall Wasp (Dryocosmus minusculus) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pumpkin Gall Wasp?
From Russo : This cynipid wasp induces tiny, 1 mm wide, pumpkin-shaped galls on the upper surface of the leaves of coast live, interior live and California black oaks. When fresh in late spring and summer, these monothalamous galls are light yellow with dark red or purple centers. As the galls mature and lose their color, they assume the appearance of Lilliputian-like pumpkins with several lines or furrows radiating towards the depressed centers. In fall, most galls drop to the ground, where they blend in with the leaf matter...Fresh and active galls can be found just about any time of year as you go from one region to another. Adults emerge the following April and the cycle starts again.
What is the life cycle of a Pumpkin Gall Wasp?
See Identification section.