Reticulodermis lithogalla gen. nov. and sp. nov. of oak gall wasp from Mexico (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae)
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.A new genus and species of oak gall wasp, Reticulodermis and R. lithogalla, were discovered in Mexico. These wasps induce galls on the leaves of Quercus crassipes trees.
Area Of Science
- Entomology
- Hymenoptera
- Oak Gall Wasps
Background
- Oak gall wasps (Cynipidae) are a diverse group of insects known for their complex life cycles and gall-inducing habits.
- The diversity of oak gall wasps in Mexico is not fully understood, particularly those associated with specific oak sections like Lobatae.
Purpose Of The Study
- To describe a new genus and species of oak gall wasp from Mexico.
- To provide diagnostic, distributional, and biological data for the new species.
- To present an identification key for oak gall wasp genera found on Quercus section Lobatae.
Main Methods
- Morphological examination of adult specimens.
- Description of a new genus (Reticulodermis) and a new species (R. lithogalla).
- Compilation of biological and distributional data.
- Development of an identification key.
Main Results
- Description of Reticulodermis Pujade-Villar, Cuesta-Porta & Melika gen. nov.
- Description of Reticulodermis lithogalla García-Martiñón & Pujade-Villar sp. nov.
- Reticulodermis is known only from its asexual generation, inducing leaf galls on Quercus crassipes (section Lobatae).
- An identification key to genera of oak gall wasps on Quercus section Lobatae is provided.
Conclusions
- The discovery of Reticulodermis and R. lithogalla expands the known diversity of oak gall wasps in Mexico.
- This research contributes to the understanding of gall wasp-insect-plant interactions within the Quercus section Lobatae.
- The provided identification key will aid future taxonomic and ecological studies of oak gall wasps in the region.

