Liposthenes glechomae
This record describes Liposthenes glechomae (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Liposthenes glechomae is a cynipid gall wasp that causes galls to form on Ground-ivy. The galls are globular hairy swellings on the undersides of leaves or apparent on both sides of the stem. They are green or reddish in sunlight, soft at first becoming hard and containing a white larva. It is a unisexual species, with males rare or absent; the females reproduce by parthenogenesis. Widespread in England, but it does not appear to be particularly common.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Aulacideini
- Genus
- Liposthenes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Ground-ivy is present.
Seasonal Activity
Galls: Best seen in late May and June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in England, but it does not appear to be particularly common.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Liposthenes glechomae. 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 Liposthenes glechomae (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposthenes glechomae
What is Liposthenes glechomae?
Liposthenes glechomae is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Liposthenes glechomae found?
Habitat: Where Ground-ivy is present.
When is Liposthenes glechomae active?
Liposthenes glechomae: seasonal activity - Galls: Best seen in late May and June..