Acanthochalcis nigricans
This record describes Acanthochalcis nigricans (species). Recorded family: Chalcididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are dense patches of white hair on the sides of the abdomen (T5 & T6) that separate this species from Acanthochalcis unispinosa (lacks the hairs). Males are smaller, but still larger than most chalcids, and have a shorter flagellum (~1x head height).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Chalcididae (Chalcidid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Cratocentrinae
- Genus
- Acanthochalcis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
commonly seen flying around Baccharis sergiloides in Arizona
Geographic Range
Costa Rica to KS-CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: Chrysobothris (Buprestidae)
Life History
Larvae are associated with Quercus wislizeni (interior live oak) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Acanthochalcis nigricans Cameron 1884
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Acanthochalcis nigricans. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acanthochalcis nigricans (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Acanthochalcis nigricans
What is Acanthochalcis nigricans?
Acanthochalcis nigricans is a species in the family Chalcididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Acanthochalcis nigricans?
There are dense patches of white hair on the sides of the abdomen (T5 & T6) that separate this species from Acanthochalcis unispinosa (lacks the hairs). Males are smaller, but still larger than most chalcids, and have a shorter flagellum (~1x head height).
Where is Acanthochalcis nigricans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | commonly seen flying around Baccharis sergiloides in Arizona |
| Range | Costa Rica to KS-CA |
What does Acanthochalcis nigricans eat?
The diet of the Acanthochalcis nigricans includes Larval hosts: Chrysobothris (Buprestidae).
What is the life cycle of a Acanthochalcis nigricans?
Larvae are associated with Quercus wislizeni (interior live oak) ( 3 )