Neuroterus aliceae
This record describes Neuroterus aliceae (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gall. Brown fluffy leaf galls, consisting of an aggregated group of larval chambers ≥ 5 mm across, on midrib on the underside of leaf. Covered in a dense, somewhat woolly, coat of reddish-brown hairs. Similar in structure to Andricus pattoni (Bassett, 1881) from Florida. Formerly referred to as Andricus q-oblongifolia-russet-midrib-wasp and Andricus sp. E
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Cynipidae (Gall Wasps)
- Tribe
- Cynipini
- Genus
- Neuroterus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, NM
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Quercus oblongifolia / Quercus toumeyi / Quercus turbinella
Life History
Alternate asexual and sexual generations are known, both of which induce galls on Q. oblongifolia. Sexual catkin galls mature in April, adults emerge soon afterwards. The asexual fluffy leaf galls mature in October-November; adults overwinter in the galls and emerge the following spring.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Neuroterus aliceae Melika, Nicholls & Stone 2021
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neuroterus aliceae. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuroterus aliceae
What is Neuroterus aliceae?
Neuroterus aliceae is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Neuroterus aliceae?
Gall. Brown fluffy leaf galls, consisting of an aggregated group of larval chambers ≥ 5 mm across, on midrib on the underside of leaf. Covered in a dense, somewhat woolly, coat of reddish-brown hairs. Similar in structure to Andricus pattoni (Bassett, 1881) from Florida.
Where is Neuroterus aliceae found?
Range: AZ, NM
What does Neuroterus aliceae eat?
The diet of the Neuroterus aliceae includes Hosts: Quercus oblongifolia / Quercus toumeyi / Quercus turbinella.
What is the life cycle of a Neuroterus aliceae?
Alternate asexual and sexual generations are known, both of which induce galls on Q. oblongifolia. Sexual catkin galls mature in April, adults emerge soon afterwards. The asexual fluffy leaf galls mature in October-November; adults overwinter in the galls and emerge the following spring.