Philonix is a genus of oak gall wasps in the family Cynipidae.[1][2] Species in this genus are only known from Canada, the United States, and Mexico.[2] The larvae of Philonix wasps induce galls on white oaks that are typically spherical, soft and fleshy.[2] Galls are usually formed on the underside of leaves.[2] Adult wasps are similar in appearance to species in the genus Acraspis.[2] Many gall wasps have alternate sexual and asexual generations, but this has not been documented in Philonix.[2]

Philonix
Gall caused by Philonix gigas larva
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Cynipidae
Genus: Philonix
Fitch, 1859

The genus was first named and described by Asa Fitch in 1859.[1][3]

The following species are recognised in the genus Philonix:[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Poole, R.W. & P. Gentili, 1996. Hymenoptera, Mecoptera, Megaloptera, Neuroptera, Raphidioptera, Trichoptera. Nomina Insecta Nearctica: A Check List of the Insects of North America. Vol 2. ISBN 1-889002-02-X
  2. ^ a b c d e f Melika, G. & Abrahamson, W.G. (2002) Review of the World Genera of Oak Cynipid Wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini). In: Melika, G. & Thuróczy, C. (Eds.), Parasitic Wasps: Evolution, Systematics, Biodiversity and Biological Control. International Symposium: “Parasitic Hymenoptera: Taxonomy and Biological Control” (14–17 May 2001, Kõszeg, Hungary). Agroinform, Budapest, pp. 150–190.
  3. ^ Fitch, Asa (1859). "Fifth report on the noxious and other insects of the state of New York. Insects infesting deciduous forest trees". Transactions of the New York State Agricultural Society. 18: 781–854.
  4. ^ "Philonix". gallformers.org. Retrieved 2022-02-05.