Marble Gall wasp
Andricus kollari
This record describes Andricus kollari (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 1.5 to 2mm. The male wasp is very dark brown to black on the head has a hunched thorax, with a black abdomen. The legs are yellowy brown and the antennae are a translucent yellow/brown colour. The female has a dark brown appearance overall. [Note that parasitoids and inquilines may also emerge from galls] There are many similar species of gall-wasp. Adult females exit Oak Marble Galls from August to October. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Andricus kollari: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andricus_kollari.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Cynipidae
- Genus
- Andricus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Marble galls on oak
Seasonal Activity
Adult females exit Oak Marble Galls from August to October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common throughout Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Andricus kollari. 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 Marble Gall wasp (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Marble Gall wasp
What is Marble Gall wasp?
Marble Gall wasp (Andricus kollari) is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Marble Gall wasp?
1.5 to 2mm. The male wasp is very dark brown to black on the head has a hunched thorax, with a black abdomen. The legs are yellowy brown and the antennae are a translucent yellow/brown colour. The female has a dark brown appearance overall.
Where is Marble Gall wasp found?
Habitat: Marble galls on oak
When is Marble Gall wasp active?
Marble Gall wasp: seasonal activity - Adult females exit Oak Marble Galls from August to October..