Aleiodes graphicus
This record describes Aleiodes graphicus (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Superficially similar to A. politiceps . Wings black, body orange apart from dark mark around ocelli and the legs apically (more extensive than in A. politiceps ). Hind wing with RS vein strongly arched and sinuate. Collection in the eastern US is rare.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Braconidae (Braconid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Rogadinae
- Genus
- Aleiodes (Common Mummy Wasps)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
primarily western and central US (AZ, CO, FL, IA, KS, NM, SD, TX, WY) ; Venezuela; Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: Sphingidae (at least 2 species, unidentified)
Life History
Mummies are usually found decapitated.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aleiodes graphicus (Cresson, 1872)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aleiodes graphicus. 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 Aleiodes graphicus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleiodes graphicus
What is Aleiodes graphicus?
Aleiodes graphicus is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Aleiodes graphicus?
7.0 - 8.0 mm
How do you identify Aleiodes graphicus?
Superficially similar to A. politiceps . Wings black, body orange apart from dark mark around ocelli and the legs apically (more extensive than in A. politiceps ). Hind wing with RS vein strongly arched and sinuate.
Where is Aleiodes graphicus found?
Range: primarily western and central US (AZ, CO, FL, IA, KS, NM, SD, TX, WY) ; Venezuela; Mexico
What does Aleiodes graphicus eat?
The diet of the Aleiodes graphicus includes Larval hosts: Sphingidae (at least 2 species, unidentified).
What is the life cycle of a Aleiodes graphicus?
Mummies are usually found decapitated.