Neuroterus quercusbatatus
This record describes Neuroterus quercusbatatus (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Ontario and Rhode Island to FLA and ILL
Seasonal Activity
First generation adults emerge in May from preceding year's galls; 2nd gen adults emerge from green galls
Diet and Behavior
Diet: White oaks
Life History
Two generations per year Females from the 2nd generation lay their eggs in the same galls they emerge from.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neuroterus quercusbatatus. 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 Neuroterus quercusbatatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Adam Kranz; Additional contributions by Marci Hess
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuroterus quercusbatatus
Where is Neuroterus quercusbatatus found?
Range: Ontario and Rhode Island to FLA and ILL
What does Neuroterus quercusbatatus eat?
The diet of the Neuroterus quercusbatatus includes White oaks.
When is Neuroterus quercusbatatus active?
Neuroterus quercusbatatus: seasonal activity - First generation adults emerge in May from preceding year's galls; 2nd gen adults emerge from green galls.
What is the life cycle of a Neuroterus quercusbatatus?
Two generations per year Females from the 2nd generation lay their eggs in the same galls they emerge from.