Cynipidae
Guides
Acraspis
Acraspis is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae. Species in this genus induce distinctive galls on oak leaves (Quercus spp.), including the jewel oak gall and oak pea gall. The genus exhibits specialized host associations with oaks and has been documented to employ spacing strategies that reduce parasitoid attack rates.
Acraspis pezomachoides
Acraspis pezomachoides is a gall-inducing cynipid wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of the genus Acraspis, it induces distinctive galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.). The species was described by Osten Sacken in 1862. Specific gall morphology and host associations for this species are not well documented in the provided sources, though the genus is known for producing structurally complex galls on white oaks.
Acraspis prinoides
Acraspis prinoides is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, it induces characteristic galls on oak trees. The species is part of a diverse group of Cynipidae that exhibit highly specialized relationships with their host plants, with each species typically inducing galls of distinctive morphology on specific oak species or groups.
Acraspis villosa
Acraspis villosa is a gall-forming wasp in the family Cynipidae. It induces galls on bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa). The species has been documented in Canada and the United States. Molecular studies have confirmed alternate sexual and asexual generations using DNA sequencing of cytb and ITS2 markers.
Amphibolips
Amphibolips is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, first described by Reinhard in 1865. The genus contains approximately 57 described species, with additional undescribed species known. All members are native to the Americas and are specialized gall inducers, primarily on oaks (Quercus spp.).
Amphibolips acuminata
Fusiform Oak Apple Gall Wasp
Amphibolips acuminata is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, commonly known as the Fusiform Oak Apple Gall Wasp. The species induces distinctive galls on oak trees, specifically forming fusiform (spindle-shaped) oak apple galls. As with other members of the genus Amphibolips, this species has an alternation of generations with distinct sexual and asexual forms that produce different gall types. The species is associated with oaks in the genus Quercus and has been documented across a broad geographic range in North America.
Amphibolips confluenta
spongy oak apple gall wasp
Amphibolips confluenta, commonly known as the spongy oak apple gall wasp, is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. The species induces characteristic galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.) and has been recorded from multiple oak host species across eastern North America. Its range extends from Ontario and Quebec in Canada through much of the eastern United States.
Amphibolips cookii
Oak Apple Gall Wasp
Amphibolips cookii is a cynipid gall wasp that induces the formation of oak apple galls on oak trees. The species is widely distributed in North America and has been documented extensively through community science observations. Its life cycle involves an alternation of generations between sexual and asexual forms, a trait common among Cynipidae but with specific host associations for this species. The wasp itself is small and inconspicuous; its primary visibility comes from the distinctive galls it produces on oak foliage.
Amphibolips ellipsoidalis
Amphibolips ellipsoidalis is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Members of this genus are known to induce galls on oak trees (Quercus species). The specific epithet 'ellipsoidalis' refers to the elliptical shape of the gall structure it produces. This species is part of a diverse radiation of cynipid wasps specialized on oaks in North America.
Amphibolips femoratus
A species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, originally described by Ashmead in 1887 as Andricus femoratus before transfer to Amphibolips. Like other members of this genus, it induces galls on oaks (Quercus spp.). The species is documented from limited observations, with most records from North America.
Amphibolips fusus
Amphibolips fusus is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, described by Alfred Kinsey in 1937. The species belongs to a genus known for inducing galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.). It has been documented from central Mexico, specifically in Ciudad de México and Zacatecas states. Like other members of Cynipidae, it likely has a complex life cycle involving both sexual and asexual generations, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Amphibolips gainesi
Amphibolips gainesi is a species of gall wasp described by Bassett in 1900. It belongs to the family Cynipidae, a group of wasps known for inducing galls on oak trees. The genus Amphibolips is associated with oak galls, though specific details about this species' biology remain limited in published literature.
Amphibolips ilicifoliae
Amphibolips ilicifoliae is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces galls on oak leaves. It is one of numerous Amphibolips species associated with oaks in North America. The species is distinguished by its specific host association with certain oak groups and the morphology of the galls it produces. Like other cynipid gall wasps, it has a complex life cycle involving both sexual and asexual generations, though details specific to this species remain incompletely documented.
Amphibolips murata
Amphibolips murata is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, it induces the formation of galls on oak trees (Quercus species). The species is documented from multiple observations, though detailed biological studies remain limited.
Amphibolips nubilipennis
translucent oak gall wasp
Amphibolips nubilipennis is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces distinctive succulent galls on oak trees. The species exhibits a complex life cycle with alternating sexual and asexual generations, each producing different gall types. The translucent oak gall formed by the sexual generation accumulates exceptionally high concentrations of malic acid, creating extremely acidic tissue conditions. This species has been documented across eastern North America and serves as a model organism for studying gall chemistry and plant-insect interactions.
Amphibolips quercuscoelebs
Amphibolips quercuscoelebs is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. It induces galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.), specifically associated with the host species suggested by its specific epithet. Like other members of the genus Amphibolips, this species exhibits a complex life cycle with alternating sexual and asexual generations, though detailed documentation for this particular species remains limited. The species has been documented through a small number of observations, indicating it may be uncommon or underreported.
Amphibolips quercusinanis
larger empty oak apple wasp
Amphibolips quercusinanis is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces large, apple-sized galls on leaves of red oak species in central and eastern North America. The species is notable for producing conspicuous, hollow galls that become brittle and empty after the adult wasp emerges. It has been widely documented through citizen science observations.
Amphibolips quercusostensackenii
Small Oak Apple Gall Wasp
Amphibolips quercusostensackenii is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces distinctive galls on red oak leaves. The species was reclassified from Andricus to Amphibolips in 2002 based on adult morphology. It is distributed throughout eastern North America.
Amphibolips quercusracemaria
Amphibolips quercusracemaria is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, first described by Ashmead in 1881. The specific epithet "quercusracemaria" indicates an association with oak (Quercus), likely inducing galls on catkins or inflorescences. Like other members of the genus Amphibolips, this species is part of the diverse North American cynipid fauna specialized on oaks.
Andricus
oak gall wasps
Andricus is a large and diverse genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, comprising approximately 375 species—though many are considered taxonomically dubious. These tiny wasps are obligate gall inducers on oaks (Quercus spp.), with each species typically restricted to one or a few closely related host species. The genus exhibits complex life cycles involving alternation between sexual and asexual generations, often on different oak hosts or plant organs. Andricus is the most diverse genus in the tribe Cynipini and has a cosmopolitan distribution centered on the Northern Hemisphere, with species in Europe, Asia, North America, and Central America.
Andricus balanella
Andricus balanella is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, a group renowned for inducing distinctive plant galls on oak species. Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species forms intimate associations with oaks (Quercus spp.), with females laying eggs in plant tissues to initiate gall development. The resulting galls serve as both shelter and food source for the developing larva. The specific gall morphology and host oak species for A. balanella are not well documented in available sources, though the genus is characterized by highly species-specific gall forms.
Andricus brunneus
Clustered Gall Wasp
Andricus brunneus is a small oak gall wasp found along the Pacific Coast of North America. Only females of this species are known to exist, indicating reproduction occurs through parthenogenesis. The species induces distinctive round galls on white oak leaves, particularly blue oaks (Quercus douglasii). Adults emerge in autumn.
Andricus burnetti
Andricus burnetti is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, a group renowned for inducing diverse and structurally complex galls on oak trees. As a member of the genus Andricus, this species participates in the intricate life cycle characteristic of cynipid wasps, where females lay eggs in oak tissues and the developing larvae secrete substances that redirect plant growth to form specialized galls. The species was described by Burnett, for whom it is named. Like many Andricus species, it likely exhibits host specificity to particular oak species, though detailed biological accounts remain limited in published literature.
Andricus capillatus
Andricus capillatus is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species induces characteristic galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.), with each cynipid species producing a distinct gall morphology specific to its biology. The genus Andricus is one of the most diverse genera of gall wasps, with numerous species specialized on different oak species and plant tissues.
Andricus coconinoensis
Andricus coconinoensis is a species of cynipid gall wasp described in 2021. As a member of the family Cynipidae, it induces characteristic galls on oak host plants. The specific epithet references Coconino County, Arizona, suggesting a southwestern United States distribution. Like other Andricus species, it exhibits intimate host plant specialization typical of this diverse gall wasp genus.
Andricus coquilletti
Andricus coquilletti is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, a group renowned for inducing characteristic plant galls on oaks. Like other members of its genus, this species has an intimate ecological relationship with oak trees (Quercus spp.), where females deposit eggs into developing leaf tissue using their ovipositor, triggering the formation of protective galls that house developing larvae. The species is part of one of the most diverse radiations of gall-forming insects, with each cynipid species typically producing a distinct gall morphology on specific host tissues.
Andricus dimorphus
Clustered Midrib Gall Wasp
Andricus dimorphus, commonly known as the clustered midrib gall wasp, is a cynipid wasp that induces distinctive galls on oak leaves. The species forms clusters of up to 50 globular, red-brown galls along the midrib on the abaxial (underside) surface of white oak leaves, beginning in late summer. Adults emerge from galls the following year. The species was first described by William Beutenmuller in 1913 as Cynips dimorphus and later transferred to Andricus via the genus Adleria.
Andricus mamillaformis
A cynipid gall wasp in the genus Andricus that induces distinctive galls on oak hosts. Like other members of this large genus, it exhibits high host specificity typical of gall wasps, with each species producing a characteristic gall morphology that serves as both shelter and food source for developing larvae. The species name 'mamillaformis' suggests a nipple- or breast-shaped gall form.
Andricus nigricens
Andricus nigricens is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species induces characteristic galls on oak (Quercus) host plants. The species is part of a highly diverse radiation of gall-forming wasps that have evolved intimate relationships with oaks, with each species typically producing a distinct gall morphology on specific plant tissues.
Andricus pedicellatus
hair stalk gall wasp
Andricus pedicellatus, commonly known as the hair stalk gall wasp, is a cynipid wasp that induces distinctive long, spindly leaf galls on blue oaks (Quercus douglasii). The species is fairly common along the Pacific coast of North America. Like other members of the genus Andricus, it exhibits high host specificity, attacking only one or a few closely related oak species.
Andricus pilularis
Andricus pilularis is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of its genus, this wasp induces the formation of distinctive galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.). The species exhibits the characteristic life cycle of gall wasps, with larvae developing inside plant tissue structures that provide both food and shelter. Specific details regarding its host associations and gall morphology require further documentation.
Andricus quercusformosus
Andricus quercusformosus is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. The species was originally described by Bassett in 1864 under the basionym Cynips quercusformosa. Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species is associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.) as host plants. The specific epithet "quercusformosus" derives from Latin, combining "quercus" (oak) with "formosus" (beautiful), likely referring to the appearance of the galls it produces. The species belongs to the highly diverse gall wasp family Cynipidae, which contains thousands of species that form characteristic galls on various plant parts.
Andricus quercuspetiolicola
Oak Petiole Gall Wasp
Andricus quercuspetiolicola is a species of cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive galls on white oaks (Quercus alba). The species name reflects its biology: 'quercus' for oak and 'petiolicola' indicating its habit of forming galls on leaf petioles and midribs. Adult wasps are small and inconspicuous, while the galls they produce are the most visible sign of their presence. Like other Andricus species, this wasp has a complex life cycle typically involving alternation between sexual and asexual generations on different oak tissues, though specific details for this species remain incompletely documented.
Andricus quercusstrobilanus
lobed oak gall wasp, pine cone oak gall wasp
Andricus quercusstrobilanus is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces distinctive cone-shaped galls on white oaks in North America. The species name references both its oak host ('quercus') and the strobilus-like (cone-shaped) structure of the gall it produces. The galls are sometimes called 'pine cone oak galls' due to their appearance. Adults of this species have not been formally described.
Andricus robustus
Andricus robustus is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species induces characteristic galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.). The specific gall morphology and host associations of A. robustus have not been extensively documented in the available literature. The species follows the typical cynipid life cycle involving an alternation of generations between sexual and asexual forms, though detailed studies of its biology remain limited.
Andricus sessilum
Andricus sessilum is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, a group known for inducing distinctive plant growths called galls on oak trees (Quercus spp.). Like other members of the genus Andricus, this species exhibits high host specificity, with females laying eggs in oak tissues to initiate gall formation. The developing larva secretes chemical signals that manipulate plant growth, creating a specialized structure that provides both food and shelter. Cynipid gall wasps are among the most diverse gall-forming insects, with each species typically producing a characteristic gall morphology on specific host plants or plant parts.
Andricus stropus
leafy-wreath gall
Andricus stropus is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces distinctive galls on oak trees. The species is part of the highly diverse Andricus genus, which contains numerous oak-associated gall wasps, each producing characteristic gall structures. Like other cynipids, A. stropus has a complex life cycle involving manipulation of plant tissue through chemical secretions that redirect host oak growth patterns. The species is known from observations primarily in North America.
Andricus texanus
Andricus texanus is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, a diverse group of insects that induce characteristic growths on oak trees. Like other members of its genus, this species manipulates plant tissue to form specialized structures that provide shelter and food for developing larvae. The specific gall morphology and host associations distinguish it from related Andricus species.
Andricus tubularius
A cynipid gall wasp in the genus Andricus that induces distinctive galls on oak hosts. Like other members of this large and diverse genus, this species exhibits high host specificity and complex life cycles typical of oak gall wasps. The specific gall morphology and exact host associations for this species require further documentation.
Andricus vacciniifoliae
Golden Oak Apple Gall Wasp, Golden Oak Apple Wasp
Andricus vacciniifoliae is a gall-forming cynipid wasp native to the west coast of North America. The species creates distinctive stem galls on huckleberry oak (Quercus vacciniifolia) and canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis). The galls are colorful and fruit-like in appearance, often leading to misidentification as actual fruit. The wasp has been reclassified from Andricus to Trichoteras in some taxonomic treatments, though both names remain in use.
Andricus weldi
Andricus weldi is a species of cynipid gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of this diverse family, it induces the formation of specialized plant galls on oak hosts. The species was named in honor of Lewis H. Weld, a prominent American cynipidologist who authored foundational works on gall wasps of the eastern United States. Specific details regarding its gall morphology, host associations, and biology remain limited in the available literature.
Andricus wheeleri
Andricus wheeleri is a species of gall wasp in the family Cynipidae. Like other members of this genus, it induces distinctive gall formations on oak host plants. The species is part of a highly diverse radiation of cynipid wasps that have evolved intimate associations with Quercus species. Specific details regarding its gall morphology and host relationships are not well documented in the available literature.
Antistrophus
An undescribed species in the genus Antistrophus, a group of cynipid gall wasps that induce distinctive galls on Asteraceae host plants. Members of this genus are typically monophagous, with each species associated with a single host plant species. The specific epithet reference to 'laciniatum' suggests association with Silphium laciniatum (compass plant), though this remains to be confirmed. The species has not been formally described in the scientific literature.
Antistrophus
undescribed Silphium flower gall wasp
An undescribed species of gall wasp in the genus Antistrophus that induces flower galls on Silphium species, particularly in tallgrass prairie ecosystems. The wasp manipulates plant tissue to form protective galls that house developing larvae. This species represents part of a complex of Antistrophus wasps specialized on Silphium host plants, with distinct species targeting stems versus flowers.
Antistrophus jeanae
Antistrophus jeanae is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae, described in 2004 by Tooker and Hanks. Like other members of the genus Antistrophus, this species is likely associated with specific host plants in the Asteraceae family, though detailed natural history information remains limited. The species is known from a small number of observations, suggesting it may be relatively rare or underreported. It belongs to a genus characterized by stem-galling habits on composite plants.
Antistrophus laciniatus
Antistrophus laciniatus is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces stem galls on Silphium integrifolium (wholeleaf rosinweed), a prairie plant in the Asteraceae. The species was described by Gillette in 1891 and is one of several Antistrophus species associated with Silphium hosts. New host plant and distribution records have been documented in recent years.
Antistrophus rufus
Antistrophus rufus is a gall wasp in the family Cynipidae that induces galls in flowering stems of prairie perennials in the genus Silphium. It is part of the A. rufus species complex, which was revised from three to five species based on morphological, ecological, and DNA barcode data. The species exhibits a unique chemical ecology: males and females use host plant volatiles as olfactory cues for mate location and host selection. Gall induction alters monoterpene enantiomer ratios in host stems, creating species-specific chemical signals.
Antron
Antron is a genus of gall wasps in the family Cynipidae. These insects induce distinctive galls on oak trees (Quercus species), with the urchin gall induced by A. quercusechinus being particularly notable for its striking appearance. The genus belongs to the tribe Cynipini, which contains the majority of oak gall wasps. Species in this genus are specialized to specific oak hosts and gall locations.
Antron douglasii
Spined Turban Gall Wasp
A cynipid gall wasp that induces distinctive spined turban galls on oak leaves. The galls are characterized by their fleshy, pink to reddish appearance with bristly projections. This species is part of the highly diverse oak gall wasp fauna of western North America. The wasp manipulates plant tissue development through chemical cues, though the precise mechanism remains unknown.
Antron quercusnubila
Antron quercusnubila is a gall-inducing cynipid wasp native to the southwestern United States. The species exhibits an alternating sexual and asexual generation cycle, a trait confirmed through molecular analysis of cytb and ITS2 sequences. Like other members of the Cynipidae, this wasp manipulates oak host tissue to form protective galls that shelter and nourish developing larvae.