Blacus
This record describes Blacus (genus). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2-5mm. Predominantly dark, occipital carina (ridge running along the back of the head) present, non-cyclostome mouthparts (clypeus not deeply hollowed out above the mandibles), forewing with one submarginal cell, first abdominal tergite usually elongated and narrow, with a distinct pair of basal keels. 12 known UK species. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Endoparasitoids of beetle larvae (Coleoptera). van Achterberg C. (1988) Revision of the subfamily Blacinae Foerster (Hymenoptera: Braconidae). Zoologische Verhandelingen, Leiden 249: 1–324. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Braconidae (Braconid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Brachistinae
- Tribe
- Blacini
- Genus
- Blacus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Endoparasitoids of beetle larvae (Coleoptera).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Unknown.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Blacus. 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 Blacus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Blacus
What is Blacus?
Blacus is a genus in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Blacus?
2-5mm. Predominantly dark, occipital carina (ridge running along the back of the head) present, non-cyclostome mouthparts (clypeus not deeply hollowed out above the mandibles), forewing with one submarginal cell, first abdominal tergite usually elongated and narrow, with a distinct pair of basal keels. 12 known UK species.
What is the life cycle of a Blacus?
Endoparasitoids of beetle larvae (Coleoptera).