Kokkocynips coxii
This record describes Kokkocynips coxii (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Induces stem swelling galls on Quercus emoryi and hypoleucoides.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Kokkocynips
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
The gall has been found in New Mexico and Arizona but this species is likely found throughout the range of the host plants.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Kokkocynips coxii. 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 Kokkocynips coxii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joshua C'deBaca
Frequently Asked Questions About Kokkocynips coxii
What is Kokkocynips coxii?
Kokkocynips coxii is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Kokkocynips coxii?
Induces stem swelling galls on Quercus emoryi and hypoleucoides.
Where is Kokkocynips coxii found?
Range: The gall has been found in New Mexico and Arizona but this species is likely found throughout the range of the host plants.