Aulogymnus io
This record describes Aulogymnus io (species). Recorded family: Eulophidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dark colored, shining metallic on thorax, with extensive yellow markings including a narrow strip behind the ocelli. Two funicular segments, clava about twice as long as wide. Forewing with diffuse dark spot.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Eulophidae
- Subfamily
- Eulophinae
- Tribe
- Cirrospilini
- Genus
- Aulogymnus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Aulogymnus io. 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 Aulogymnus io
What is Aulogymnus io?
Aulogymnus io is a species in the family Eulophidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Aulogymnus io?
Dark colored, shining metallic on thorax, with extensive yellow markings including a narrow strip behind the ocelli. Two funicular segments, clava about twice as long as wide. Forewing with diffuse dark spot.
Where is Aulogymnus io found?
Range: Eastern USA