Aleiodes kisomm
This record describes Aleiodes kisomm (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species belongs within a sibling species-group of similarly colored species with deep, well developed carapaces (4th metasomal tergites) and small ocelli. A. kisomm can be distinguished from the others by its combination of rugocostate (wavy ridges) sculpturing on the first 3 metasomal tergites, and the heavy foveolate sculpturing (small, close together punctures) on the side of the mesosoma (mesopleuron).
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
Habitat
Annual average precipitation in Riverside, CA is 10.3 inches.
Geographic Range
Known only from southern California (Riverside).
Seasonal Activity
The two specimens from which the species is known were collected in March and May.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: unknown; probably Geometridae.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: " kisomm " is from the Blackfeet word for "sun," and refers to the bright orange head and mesoscutum coloration.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aleiodes kisomm. 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 kisomm (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by josephfortier; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleiodes kisomm
What is Aleiodes kisomm?
Aleiodes kisomm is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Aleiodes kisomm?
4 mm
How do you identify Aleiodes kisomm?
This species belongs within a sibling species-group of similarly colored species with deep, well developed carapaces (4th metasomal tergites) and small ocelli. A. kisomm can be distinguished from the others by its combination of rugocostate (wavy ridges) sculpturing on the first 3 metasomal tergites, and the heavy foveolate sculpturing (small, close together punctures) on the side of the mesosoma (mesopleuron).
Where is Aleiodes kisomm found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Annual average precipitation in Riverside, CA is 10.3 inches. |
| Range | Known only from southern California (Riverside). |
What does Aleiodes kisomm eat?
The diet of the Aleiodes kisomm includes unknown; probably Geometridae..
When is Aleiodes kisomm active?
Aleiodes kisomm: seasonal activity - The two specimens from which the species is known were collected in March and May..