Bathyplectes curculionis
This record describes Bathyplectes curculionis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A Paleartic species introduced in NA in 1911 to control Hypera postica , the alfalfa [leaf] weevil and Hypera brunnipennis Egyptian alfalfa weevil.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Campopleginae
- Genus
- Bathyplectes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to Europe and n. Africa; in NA: PQ to s. AB & WA, south to GA & MS
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: alfalfa weevils Hypera
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Bathyplectes curculionis. 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 Bathyplectes curculionis
What is Bathyplectes curculionis?
Bathyplectes curculionis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Bathyplectes curculionis found?
Range: native to Europe and n. Africa; in NA: PQ to s. AB & WA, south to GA & MS
What does Bathyplectes curculionis eat?
The diet of the Bathyplectes curculionis includes hosts: alfalfa weevils Hypera.