Amblyteles armatorius
This record describes Amblyteles armatorius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of the many medium to large (15mm) black-and-yellow banded species. The spine on the top of the thorax together with a precise colour pattern on the abdomen in both sexes distinguishes them from the many other very similar species. Watch out for other species with extra spots of yellow or white on the abdomen. Males are distinctive in having wide yellow stripes on the abdomen with a black stripe between, together with a yellow tip to the abdomen and broadly black hind femur. Females are similarly distinctive but the yellow bands on the abdomen are narrower and curved, rather ring shaped. On roadside verges, hedgerows, woodland rides and clearings, especially on any dense undergrowth such as bramble patches. May to July with a second generation in October - November. Very often found in summer on flowers feeding on pollen, especially umbellifers such as Hogweed. The hosts are moth larvae. Widespread and fairly common in lowland Britain Malcolm Storey's website - Amblyteles armatorius
Wikipedia reference for Amblyteles armatorius: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amblyteles_armatorius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Amblyteles
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On roadside verges, hedgerows, woodland rides and clearings, especially on any dense undergrowth such as bramble patches.
Seasonal Activity
May to July with a second generation in October - November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Very often found in summer on flowers feeding on pollen, especially umbellifers such as Hogweed. The hosts are moth larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly common in lowland Britain
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Amblyteles armatorius. 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 Amblyteles armatorius (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Amblyteles armatorius
What is Amblyteles armatorius?
Amblyteles armatorius is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Amblyteles armatorius found?
Habitat: On roadside verges, hedgerows, woodland rides and clearings, especially on any dense undergrowth such as bramble patches.
When is Amblyteles armatorius active?
Amblyteles armatorius: seasonal activity - May to July with a second generation in October - November..
What is the life cycle of a Amblyteles armatorius?
Very often found in summer on flowers feeding on pollen, especially umbellifers such as Hogweed. The hosts are moth larvae.