Cynipoidea
Cynipoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Cynipoidea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cynipoidea: //sɪˌnɪˈpɔɪdiə//
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Summary
Cynipoidea is a moderate-sized superfamily of Hymenoptera, primarily composed of wasps that can be gall-makers or parasitoids. With a mix of families recognized, they include a high number of species, many still undescribed.
Physical Characteristics
Mostly small or minute insects with reduced venation. Most species are black, with the abdomen usually shiny and somewhat compressed. They have filiform antennae, and a pronotum that extends back to the tegulae. The ovipositor issues from the anterior apex of the abdomen.
Identification Tips
Identifiable by the somewhat compressed bodies, reduced wing venation, and fused metasomal segments. The petiole is very short when present.
Habitat
Cynipoidea can be found in various habitats as they are often associated with hosts for their parasitic or gall-making lifestyles.
Distribution
>800 species in our area, ~2000 worldwide. They have a widespread distribution, with many undescribed species primarily in the Figitidae.
Diet
The diet varies among families, with many being parasitoids or hyperparasitoids. The most familiar members are phytophagous, particularly as gall-formers.
Life Cycle
Life cycles vary greatly among the families, with some larvae developing within host organisms or galls produced by other insects.
Reproduction
Reproduction methods can vary, primarily through oviposition in hosts or galls.
Ecosystem Role
They play an important role as parasitoids, helping to control pest populations, and as gall-makers, influencing plant communities.
Collecting Methods
- Net collection
- Traps in host plants
- Field surveys
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol
- Pinned specimens
- Slide mounted specimens
Evolution
Cynipoidea have a complex evolutionary history with families that have been reclassified over time, including the sinking of Charipidae and Eucoilidae into Figitidae.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Cynipoidea are often mistaken for other small wasps due to their similar appearance, and not all are gall-formers.
Tags
- Hymenoptera
- Cynipoidea
- Insects
- Parasitoids
- Gall-makers