Allophrys divaricata
This record describes Allophrys divaricata (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head for the greater part dark brown. |
| Eyes | Eyes of males very large. |
| Thorax | Thorax black, rarely lateral part of pronotum and mesopleurum tinged with brown. Gaster for the greater part black, petiole usually yellowish brown or brown, posterior part of 2nd tergite and anterior part of 3rd tergite usually reddish brown or brown. |
| Legs | Legs yellowish or yellowish brown. Propodeum dark brown or black. (See referenced document for complete description). |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Tersilochinae
- Genus
- Allophrys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
SC, GA, FL, AL, TX; Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina
Seasonal Activity
Flight period in the United States: almost all through the year.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The species was reared in Trinidad-Tobago from an undetermined species of Nitidulidae (Sap beetles) in fallen guava fruits ( Psidium guajava )
Life History
Perhaps three generations can be assumed.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Allophrys divaricata. 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 Allophrys divaricata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Robert Lord Zimlich
Frequently Asked Questions About Allophrys divaricata
What is Allophrys divaricata?
Allophrys divaricata is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Allophrys divaricata?
Body length, female: 2.5 - 3 mm
How do you identify Allophrys divaricata?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head for the greater part dark brown. |
| Eyes | Eyes of males very large. |
| Thorax | Thorax black, rarely lateral part of pronotum and mesopleurum tinged with brown. Gaster for the greater part black, petiole usually yellowish brown or brown, posterior part of 2nd tergite and anterior part of 3rd tergite usually reddish brown or brown. |
| Legs | Legs yellowish or yellowish brown. Propodeum dark brown or black. (See referenced document for complete description). |
Where is Allophrys divaricata found?
Range: SC, GA, FL, AL, TX; Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina
What does Allophrys divaricata eat?
The diet of the Allophrys divaricata includes The species was reared in Trinidad-Tobago from an undetermined species of Nitidulidae (Sap beetles) in fallen guava fruits ( Psidium guajava ).
When is Allophrys divaricata active?
Allophrys divaricata: seasonal activity - Flight period in the United States: almost all through the year..
What is the life cycle of a Allophrys divaricata?
Perhaps three generations can be assumed.