Kokkocynips difficilis

(Ashmead, 1887)

Kokkocynips difficilis is a of in the , originally described by Ashmead in 1887 as Andricus difficilis. It belongs to the tribe Cynipini, which comprises -inducing associated with oaks (Quercus spp.). The Kokkocynips was established relatively recently (2021) following taxonomic revision of the oak gall wasps. Like other members of this genus, K. difficilis likely induces galls on oak species, though specific associations and gall remain poorly documented in the available literature.

Kokkocynips difficilis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.

Kokkocynips difficilis by (c) Emily Summerbell, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Emily Summerbell. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Kokkocynips difficilis: /ˌkɒkoʊˈsɪnɪps dɪˈfɪsɪlɪs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

The Kokkocynips was separated from related genera based on molecular phylogenetic analysis and morphological characters. -level identification within Kokkocynips requires examination of morphological features and characteristics. K. difficilis can be distinguished from by the combination of its original description as Andricus difficilis and its subsequent placement in Kokkocynips based on phylogenetic analysis. Detailed diagnostic characters for this species are not readily available in the accessible literature.

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Habitat

As a member of the tribe Cynipini, this is associated with oak-dominated . The specific habitat preferences of K. difficilis have not been documented separately from those of its oaks.

Distribution

The original description was based on material from an unspecified locality. The current known distribution of K. difficilis has not been mapped in detail in the available literature. GBIF records indicate observations from multiple locations, though specific geographic range boundaries are not established.

Host Associations

Quercus spp. - Inferred from tribal placement in Cynipini; specific oak for K. difficilis not documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

As a -inducing , this likely functions as a on oaks, creating galls that provide and food resources for other organisms. The galls may serve as microhabitats for and , contributing to local .

Human Relevance

No direct economic or agricultural significance has been documented for this . Like many oak , it may be of interest to naturalists and researchers studying - interactions and .

Similar Taxa

Andricus spp.K. difficilis was originally described as Andricus difficilis; the Kokkocynips was separated from Andricus based on molecular phylogenetic analysis. may be superficially similar, requiring careful examination or molecular data for identification.
Other Kokkocynips species within the recently established Kokkocynips share similar and associations; boundaries are based on subtle morphological differences and phylogenetic data.

More Details

Taxonomic History

This was originally described by William Harris Ashmead in 1887 as Andricus difficilis. It was transferred to the newly established Kokkocynips in 2021 by Nieves-Aldrey et al. as part of a comprehensive revision of oak based on integrated morphological and molecular data.

Research Needs

Basic information for this is lacking, including specific oak species, and location on the , , and detailed geographic distribution. Field studies documenting these aspects would significantly improve understanding of this species.