Aritranis director
This record describes Aritranis director (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length up to 10 mm. The head and thorax are black. The bulk of the abdomen is orange-red but the final part is black. The female also has a small white band at the tip of the abdomen, immediately before the ovipositor. 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. Hedgerows & meadows, heath and moorland. The larva parisitise various moth caterpillars. 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
- Cryptini
- Genus
- Aritranis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows & meadows, heath and moorland.
Seasonal Activity
May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The larva parisitise various moth caterpillars.
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 Aritranis director. 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 Aritranis director (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aritranis director
What is Aritranis director?
Aritranis director is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Aritranis director?
up to 10 mm. The head and thorax are black. The bulk of the abdomen is orange-red but the final part is black. The female also has a small white band at the tip of the abdomen, immediately before the ovipositor.
Where is Aritranis director found?
Habitat: Hedgerows & meadows, heath and moorland.
When is Aritranis director active?
Aritranis director: seasonal activity - May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Aritranis director?
The larva parisitise various moth caterpillars.