Aptesis nigrocincta
This record describes Aptesis nigrocincta (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 3 to 8 mm. Females are significantly smaller than males and nearly wingless. A distinctive ichneumon, the abdomen and legs are orange, the abdomen has a broad black band. Unless identified by a recognised expert, photos are required from above and below. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Orchards and other areas with apple trees. Aptesis nigrocincta is a bivoltine ectoparasitoid of Apple Sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) cocoons. Lack of records makes it difficult to determine the true status of this species in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Cryptinae
- Tribe
- Aptesini
- Genus
- Aptesis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Orchards and other areas with apple trees.
Seasonal Activity
Late Spring to Autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Aptesis nigrocincta is a bivoltine ectoparasitoid of Apple Sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) cocoons.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Lack of records makes it difficult to determine the true status of this species in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aptesis nigrocincta. 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 Aptesis nigrocincta (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aptesis nigrocincta
What is Aptesis nigrocincta?
Aptesis nigrocincta is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Aptesis nigrocincta?
3 to 8 mm. Females are significantly smaller than males and nearly wingless. A distinctive ichneumon, the abdomen and legs are orange, the abdomen has a broad black band.
Where is Aptesis nigrocincta found?
Habitat: Orchards and other areas with apple trees.
When is Aptesis nigrocincta active?
Aptesis nigrocincta: seasonal activity - Late Spring to Autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Aptesis nigrocincta?
Aptesis nigrocincta is a bivoltine ectoparasitoid of Apple Sawfly (Hoplocampa testudinea) cocoons.