Amblyjoppa proteus
This record describes Amblyjoppa proteus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large (20–25mm), mainly jet-black species with a small yellow/cream spot on the back of the thorax. This species has dusky borders to the tips of the wings. Males have white bands on the hind legs and entirely black antennae, females have entirely black hind legs and a white band on the antennae. Can be confused with many other, usually smaller, black species. This species is the only ichneumon to parasitise the Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Amblyjoppa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
June
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is the only ichneumon to parasitise the Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Under-recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Amblyjoppa proteus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amblyjoppa proteus
What is Amblyjoppa proteus?
Amblyjoppa proteus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
When is Amblyjoppa proteus active?
Amblyjoppa proteus: seasonal activity - June.
What is the life cycle of a Amblyjoppa proteus?
This species is the only ichneumon to parasitise the Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar.