Appleworm Mummy Wasp
Aleiodes nolophanae
This record describes Aleiodes nolophanae (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to Aleiodes laphygmae . Differs from that species in 39-45 antennal segments, as opposed to 35-39 in A. laphygmae ; females are larger (5-6 mm rather than 4-5 mm in A. laphygmae ); radial cell and basal portion of stigma forming a smaller angle (closer to 120d) than in A. laphygmae (closer to 160d) (see identification).
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
low vegetation or small trees, such as boxelder and apple
Geographic Range
Eastern North America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae are polyphagous on small noctuids including many-spotted appleworm moth ( Balsa malaga (Fitch)), green cloverworm ( Plathypena scalar (F)), Lithophane sp., and Caenurgia erechtea
Life History
koinobiont endoparasitoids
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aleiodes nolophanae. 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 Appleworm Mummy Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by josephfortier; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Appleworm Mummy Wasp
What is Appleworm Mummy Wasp?
Appleworm Mummy Wasp (Aleiodes nolophanae) is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Appleworm Mummy Wasp?
female 5 - 6 mm
Where is Appleworm Mummy Wasp found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | low vegetation or small trees, such as boxelder and apple |
| Range | Eastern North America |
What does Appleworm Mummy Wasp eat?
The diet of the Appleworm Mummy Wasp includes larvae are polyphagous on small noctuids including many-spotted appleworm moth ( Balsa malaga (Fitch)), green cloverworm ( Plathypena scalar (F)), Lithophane sp., and Caenurgia erechtea.
What is the life cycle of a Appleworm Mummy Wasp?
koinobiont endoparasitoids