Aleiodes scrutator
This record describes Aleiodes scrutator (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a species whose definition is still undergoing work. It is possible that some specimens that fall under the current species description are in fact members of various more or less closely related species, yet undescribed, in the Aleiodes circumscriptus/gastritor sibling species complex.
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
throughout southern Canada and the United States; most common in the northern part of its range.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: A wide variety of caterpillars from many lepidopteran families.
Life History
Koinobiont endoparasitoids ( See parasitoid life cycles )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Most females and many males have a dark metasoma except for a bright yellow mark medially that extends from the apical area of the first tergite to the basal area of the third tergite.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aleiodes scrutator. 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 scrutator (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by josephfortier
Frequently Asked Questions About Aleiodes scrutator
What is Aleiodes scrutator?
Aleiodes scrutator is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Aleiodes scrutator?
4.5 - 6 mm
Where is Aleiodes scrutator found?
Range: throughout southern Canada and the United States; most common in the northern part of its range.
What does Aleiodes scrutator eat?
The diet of the Aleiodes scrutator includes A wide variety of caterpillars from many lepidopteran families..
What is the life cycle of a Aleiodes scrutator?
Koinobiont endoparasitoids ( See parasitoid life cycles )