Apechthis compunctor
This record describes Apechthis compunctor (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small to medium (7 to 15 mm) black bodied species. It has orange legs without cream banding on the hind tibia. Similar to Pimpla rufipes but in Apechthis compunctor the female ovipositor has a downward curved tip. Photographs required showing the tip of the female ovipositor. Males are not identifiable from photographs. It seems to be widespread in Britain, but lack of records makes true status difficult to determine.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Apechthis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and meadows.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Lepidoptera pupae are the larval hosts.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It seems to be widespread in Britain, but lack of records makes true status difficult to determine.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Apechthis compunctor. 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 Apechthis compunctor
What is Apechthis compunctor?
Apechthis compunctor is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Apechthis compunctor found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and meadows.
When is Apechthis compunctor active?
Apechthis compunctor: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Apechthis compunctor?
Lepidoptera pupae are the larval hosts.