Bathyplectes infernalis
This record describes Bathyplectes infernalis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Like its host, the clover leaf weevil, this species is a European immigrant. Although it is generally thelytokous (i.e. females only), I have seen males from NJ, PA, MD, and VA. Males are perhaps even rarer in Europe because in a 1974 revision of the western Palearctic species now placed in Bathyplectes , Horstmann did not mention having seen any.
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
Of European origin.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: the clover leaf weevil, Hypera zoilus
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Bathyplectes infernalis. 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 Bathyplectes infernalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bathyplectes infernalis
What is Bathyplectes infernalis?
Bathyplectes infernalis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Bathyplectes infernalis found?
Range: Of European origin.
What does Bathyplectes infernalis eat?
The diet of the Bathyplectes infernalis includes Host: the clover leaf weevil, Hypera zoilus.