Philonix is a genus of oak gall wasps in the familyCynipidae.[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]
The genus was first named and described by Asa Fitch in 1859.[1][3]
The following species are recognised in the genus Philonix:[4]
^ abPoole, 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. ISBN1-889002-02-X
^ abcdefMelika, 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.
