Eucalyptus Gall Wasp
Ophelimus maskelli
This record describes Ophelimus maskelli (species). Recorded family: Eulophidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ophelimus maskelli is a species of Chalcid Wasp about 1mm long and mainly blackish in colour. The larvae produce galls on the leaves of Eucalyptus species, particularly Eucalyptus camaldulensis . The galls are numerous, pale green to reddish pustules measuring about 1 mm, sometimes with up to 100 galls on a single leaf. After the wasp has vacated the gall, a conspicuous opening remains in the top. Adult: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Gall: Please provide photograph and state host plant. There are two or more generations per year. Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
Wikipedia reference for Ophelimus maskelli: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophelimus_maskelli.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Eulophidae
- Subfamily
- Opheliminae
- Genus
- Ophelimus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Anywhere that Eucalyptus occurs.
Seasonal Activity
When Eucalyptus is in leaf.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
There are two or more generations per year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ophelimus maskelli. 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 Eucalyptus Gall Wasp (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Eucalyptus Gall Wasp
What is Eucalyptus Gall Wasp?
Eucalyptus Gall Wasp (Ophelimus maskelli) is a species in the family Eulophidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Eucalyptus Gall Wasp found?
Habitat: Anywhere that Eucalyptus occurs.
When is Eucalyptus Gall Wasp active?
Eucalyptus Gall Wasp: seasonal activity - When Eucalyptus is in leaf..
What is the life cycle of a Eucalyptus Gall Wasp?
There are two or more generations per year.