Aleiodes molestus
This record describes Aleiodes molestus (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It parasitizes several pests among other caterpillars. Know caterpillar hosts are generalist feeders on low vegetation.
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
Open meadows, low vegetation, agricultural fields.
Geographic Range
Mid-western and south-western states all the way to Florida. It has been reported from Mexico and Costa Rica.
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly from late April to mid September in southern states.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aleiodes molestus. 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 molestus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleiodes molestus
What is Aleiodes molestus?
Aleiodes molestus is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Aleiodes molestus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open meadows, low vegetation, agricultural fields. |
| Range | Mid-western and south-western states all the way to Florida. It has been reported from Mexico and Costa Rica. |
When is Aleiodes molestus active?
Aleiodes molestus: seasonal activity - Adults fly from late April to mid September in southern states..