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Cynipoidea – Superfamily of Gall Wasps

Cynipoidea are a superfamily of hymenopterans that includes gall wasps, capable of manipulating plant tissue growth. By laying eggs in stems, leaves, or buds, they induce the formation of structures called galls, which provide shelter and nourishment to their larvae. Each species is often specific to a plant and produces a characteristic gall. Some species are also parasitoids. Galls can be observed on oaks, rosaceae, or apiaceae. Their complex life cycle and discreet morphology make this group fascinating yet often overlooked.

Representative Families

The superfamily includes notably:

Cynipidae – Gall wasps, mainly on oaks, rosaceae, or asteraceae.
Figitidae – Parasitoids of other insects, often dipteran larvae (flies).
Liopteridae, Ibaliidae – Rarer families, sometimes parasites of wood-boring larvae.

Habitat

Cynipoidea are found in:

Deciduous forests, particularly oak groves
Edges, hedgerows, and fallow areas rich in rosaceae or asteraceae
Dead wood (for species parasitizing beetles)
Areas rich in flies (for Figitidae)

Biology

Cynipidae:
- Induce galls on leaves, twigs, or buds
- Galls feed and protect the larva
- Some species show alternating generations
Figitidae and others:
- Parasitoids of insect larvae (often dipterans)
- Development hidden within the host

Distinctive Features

Small size (often < 5 mm)
Filiform antennae, reduced wing venation
Galls are often species-specific
Life cycle sometimes complex, difficult to observe without close study