Sphaeroteras

Ashmead, 1897

Species Guides

Sphaeroteras pulchripennis

Sphaeroteras is a of cynipid established by Ashmead in 1897. It is currently recognized as a synonym of Biorhiza, a genus of gall wasps that induce galls on oak trees. Records from Scandinavia suggest these wasps are associated with temperate European oak woodlands.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphaeroteras: /sfɛəroʊˈtɛrəs/

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Habitat

Associated with oak woodlands; plants are oaks (Quercus spp.).

Distribution

Recorded from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Host Associations

Quercus - gall induction plant for gall wasp development

Ecological Role

Induces galls on oak trees, potentially influencing plant tissue development and providing microhabitats for other organisms.

Similar Taxa

BiorhizaSphaeroteras is a synonym of Biorhiza; historically separated but now treated as congeneric

More Details

Taxonomic Status

GBIF treats Sphaeroteras as a synonym of Biorhiza, while NCBI and iNaturalist maintain it as a valid . This discrepancy reflects ongoing taxonomic revision in Cynipidae.