Belonocnema fossoria
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Cynipoidea
- Family: Cynipidae
- Tribe: Cynipini
- Genus: Belonocnema
- Species: fossoria
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Belonocnema fossoria: /bɛˌloʊnoʊˈknɛmə fɔˈsɔriə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Belonocnema fossoria is a species of gall wasp that induces distinct galls on Quercus geminata in its native range, comprising asexual and sexual generations, with unique morphological characteristics and an interesting taxonomic history.
Physical Characteristics
The asexual generation galls are smooth, unilocular balls on the underside of leaves, initially orange or light brown and darkening with age. The sexual generation galls are irregularly shaped, multilocular clusters found on small rootlets. Belonocnema fossoria can be distinguished by a spur on the anterior side of the fore tibia that is longer than the basitarsus and tibial spurs, and the asexual generation has small non-functional wings and no areolet in the front wing.
Identification Tips
Look for the longer spur on the anterior side of the fore tibia compared to the basitarsus. The presence of smooth, unilocular galls on leaves versus irregular galls on roots can help distinguish the generations.
Habitat
Belonocnema fossoria is found in sandy soils associated with its host plant, Quercus geminata, in coastal areas of the southeastern United States.
Distribution
Known exclusively from Georgia and Florida, associated with the host plant Quercus geminata.
Diet
The diet consists of the tissues of Quercus geminata, specifically forming galls on leaves and roots.
Life Cycle
There are both asexual and sexual generations; the asexual generation induces galls on leaves, while the sexual generation induces galls on roots. The sexual generation emerges in early March to mid-April, coinciding with the host's leaf flush.
Reproduction
Sexual generation involves mating and the emergence from root galls in spring. Asexual generation involves females that induce galls and reproduce parthenogenetically.
Ecosystem Role
As a gall-forming species, it plays a role in plant community dynamics and interactions within its ecosystem, potentially influencing host plant growth.
Collecting Methods
- Collection of galls from Quercus geminata where galls are present.
- Observation of adult emergence during the corresponding season.
Preservation Methods
- Preservation in ethanol for genetic studies.
- Drying and mounting for taxonomic studies.
Evolution
Genetic studies suggest that B. fossoria is a sister species to Belonocnema treatae, indicating evolutionary relationships within the Cynipidae family.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse B. fossoria with B. treatae due to similar gall structures and host plant associations.
Tags
- gall wasp
- Belonocnema
- Quercus
- galls
- Hymenoptera