Aleiodes praetor
This record describes Aleiodes praetor (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A largely orange species with long antennae and dark end to the rear tibia. Mainly seen when attracted to light traps used by moth recorders. A parasitoid of Poplar Hawk-moths, Lime Hawk-moths and possibly Eyed Hawk-moths. Turns up occasionally in the southern half of England, usually at MV light traps. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Braconidae
- Genus
- Aleiodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Mainly seen when attracted to light traps used by moth recorders.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A parasitoid of Poplar Hawk-moths, Lime Hawk-moths and possibly Eyed Hawk-moths.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Turns up occasionally in the southern half of England, usually at MV light traps.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aleiodes praetor. 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 praetor (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleiodes praetor
What is Aleiodes praetor?
Aleiodes praetor is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Aleiodes praetor found?
Habitat: Mainly seen when attracted to light traps used by moth recorders.
When is Aleiodes praetor active?
Aleiodes praetor: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Aleiodes praetor?
A parasitoid of Poplar Hawk-moths, Lime Hawk-moths and possibly Eyed Hawk-moths.