Neuroterus saltarius
This record describes Neuroterus saltarius (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forms galls on bur oak ( Quercus macrocarpa ) and swamp white oak ( Q. bicolor ). After galls drop in June they jump about on the ground for some time as do the related species, Neuroterus saltatorius (Edwards) in Calif. Adults emerge from galls in March.
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
MN, MI, IA, IN, MO
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Weld, 1926
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neuroterus saltarius. 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 saltarius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman