Synergus gallaepomiformis
This record describes Synergus gallaepomiformis (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Length 1.5-3.5mm. |
| Head | Head black, except lower face which usually yellow to orange red or red; mesosoma black, antenna and legs entirely yellow or yellow-red. Metasoma black dorsally and brown laterally. Wing veins distinct, brown. |
| Body | Body with sparse white setae. Usually specimens emerging in spring, summer and autumn from first year galls have face red-ish, antenna and legs yellow to orange; specimens emerging in spring from asexual galls of previous year are darker, face black, antenna and legs dark. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Inquiline of Cynipidae in 45 different Oak galls. Bivoltine (two generations per year), occasionally with a third partial generation. Common and widespread but under recorded due to identification difficulty. Under recorded due to identification difficulty. Melika, G. (2006) Gall Wasps of Ukraine. Cynipidae. Vol. 1. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology. ISSN 0084-5604 No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Cynipidae
- Genus
- Synergus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Adults Spring-Autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Inquiline of Cynipidae in 45 different Oak galls. Bivoltine (two generations per year), occasionally with a third partial generation.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread but under recorded due to identification difficulty.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Synergus gallaepomiformis. 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 Synergus gallaepomiformis (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Synergus gallaepomiformis
What is Synergus gallaepomiformis?
Synergus gallaepomiformis is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Synergus gallaepomiformis?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 1.5-3.5mm. |
| Head | Head black, except lower face which usually yellow to orange red or red; mesosoma black, antenna and legs entirely yellow or yellow-red. Metasoma black dorsally and brown laterally. Wing veins distinct, brown. |
| Body | Body with sparse white setae. Usually specimens emerging in spring, summer and autumn from first year galls have face red-ish, antenna and legs yellow to orange; specimens emerging in spring from asexual galls of previous year are darker, face black, antenna and legs dark. |
When is Synergus gallaepomiformis active?
Synergus gallaepomiformis: seasonal activity - Adults Spring-Autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Synergus gallaepomiformis?
Inquiline of Cynipidae in 45 different Oak galls. Bivoltine (two generations per year), occasionally with a third partial generation.