Xestophanes brevitarsis
This record describes Xestophanes brevitarsis (species). Recorded family: Cynipidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Xestophanes brevitarsis is a gall wasp that causes galls to form on Tormentil ( Potentilla erecta ) and Trailing Tormentil ( Potentilla anglica ). The galls are seen more often than the adult. Galls are usually found on the aerial stem or sometimes at the root and take the form of rounded swellings, 2 to 3 mm across, often several in a group and sometimes coalesced. They are green or pink at first, becoming brown and hard. Xestophanes potentillae forms similar galls on Creeping Cinquefoil Provide a photo showing the host species - leaves and/or flowers - as well as the gall. There is no need to grub up the plant - follow the aerial stem down through thatch/moss etc.; the galls are close to the ground Where Tormentil ( Potentilla erecta ) and Trailing Tormentil ( Potentilla anglica ) are present. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Cynipidae
- Genus
- Xestophanes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Tormentil (
Seasonal Activity
Galls appear in summer and autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Infrequently recorded in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xestophanes brevitarsis. 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 Xestophanes brevitarsis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Xestophanes brevitarsis
What is Xestophanes brevitarsis?
Xestophanes brevitarsis is a species in the family Cynipidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Xestophanes brevitarsis found?
Habitat: Where Tormentil (
When is Xestophanes brevitarsis active?
Xestophanes brevitarsis: seasonal activity - Galls appear in summer and autumn..