Andricus amphorus
Feron amphorus
This record describes Feron amphorus (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This wasp induces urn shaped galls on leaves of Quercus arizonica, gambelli, grisea, oblongifolia, turbinella, and Quercus x undulata. The galls are red and yellow, and stand erect from the leaf. The side getting the most exposure to the sun is dark red, while the side sheltered from the sun is dull yellow.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Feron
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Feron amphorus. 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 Andricus amphorus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua C'deBaca
Frequently Asked Questions About Andricus amphorus
What is Andricus amphorus?
Andricus amphorus (Feron amphorus) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Andricus amphorus?
Gall: 4-5 mm long
How do you identify Andricus amphorus?
This wasp induces urn shaped galls on leaves of Quercus arizonica, gambelli, grisea, oblongifolia, turbinella, and Quercus x undulata. The galls are red and yellow, and stand erect from the leaf. The side getting the most exposure to the sun is dark red, while the side sheltered from the sun is dull yellow.