Aleiodes similis

This record describes Aleiodes similis (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.

Identification and Appearance

This small insect has orangey red thorax, abdomen and legs, with a darker band around the 'waist' area. There is also a yellowy orange wing stigma. Various habitats in search of host species. Parasitic on various moths. The first generation on low feeding noctuids especially Xestia xanthographa , but the next generation is on Conistra and various (but not all) Orthosia species on deciduous trees. 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

Various habitats in search of host species.

Seasonal Activity

Spring to autumn.

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Parasitic on various moths. The first generation on low feeding noctuids especially

Additional species information

Recorded status

National status not known.

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aleiodes similis. 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.

Explore Hymenoptera families and species →