California Jumping Gall Wasp
Neuroterus saltatorius
This record describes Neuroterus saltatorius (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Summer/fall unisexual galls of this species occur on the underside of valley, blue, scrub, and Oregon oak leaves. Spring bisexual generation galls are integral leaf galls. Periodic movements of the larvae after the unisexual generation galls have dropped to the ground in the fall cause the galls to jump up to 1cm in the air. The purpose of the jumping is probably to help the galls place themselves in more sheltered situations in the leaf litter.
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.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Neuroterus saltatorius. 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 California Jumping Gall Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross
Frequently Asked Questions About California Jumping Gall Wasp
What is California Jumping Gall Wasp?
California Jumping Gall Wasp (Neuroterus saltatorius) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is California Jumping Gall Wasp?
The galls of the unisexual generation (detachable leaf galls) are 1mm in diameter. The galls of the bisexual generation (integral leaf galls) are about 2x1mm.
How do you identify California Jumping Gall Wasp?
Summer/fall unisexual galls of this species occur on the underside of valley, blue, scrub, and Oregon oak leaves. Spring bisexual generation galls are integral leaf galls.