Arthrolytus fasciatus
This record describes Arthrolytus fasciatus (species). Recorded family: Pteromalidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from the other known North American Arthrotylus by range (Eastern) and dark area on wing of female. Biology is unknown but the other North American species, and some European species, are found in galls of Cynipidae on oaks.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Pteromalidae (Pteromalid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pteromalinae
- Tribe
- Pteromalini
- Genus
- Arthrolytus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Northeastern North America
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Arthrolytus fasciatus. 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 Arthrolytus fasciatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Arthrolytus fasciatus
What is Arthrolytus fasciatus?
Arthrolytus fasciatus is a species in the family Pteromalidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Arthrolytus fasciatus?
Distinguished from the other known North American Arthrotylus by range (Eastern) and dark area on wing of female.
Where is Arthrolytus fasciatus found?
Range: Northeastern North America