Brachymeria tibialis
This record describes Brachymeria tibialis (species). Recorded family: Chalcididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 5 mm. This is a small black and yellow chalcid wasp. The thighs are very swollen and the hind tibia of this species is all yellow dorsally along the entire length. In grassland where moths of the Burnet family ( Zygaena sp .) are found. Rarely seen, occasionally hatched from moth pupa. Parasitic on various moths, especially members of the Burnet family ( Zygaena sp .) Only added to the British list in 2008 and only three British records by 2009. Quite rare nationally at this time. The Ellistown record of 8th July 2011 is the first record for VC55, and may be the first record of this species from anywhere in the Midlands. However it is pobably a recent immigrant and could be expanding its range and numbers. At present it is probably under recorded.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Chalcididae
- Genus
- Brachymeria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In grassland where moths of the Burnet family (
Seasonal Activity
Rarely seen, occasionally hatched from moth pupa.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitic on various moths, especially members of the Burnet family (
Additional species information
Recorded status
Only added to the British list in 2008 and only three British records by 2009.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Brachymeria tibialis. 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 Brachymeria tibialis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachymeria tibialis
What is Brachymeria tibialis?
Brachymeria tibialis is a species in the family Chalcididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Brachymeria tibialis?
about 5 mm. This is a small black and yellow chalcid wasp. The thighs are very swollen and the hind tibia of this species is all yellow dorsally along the entire length.
Where is Brachymeria tibialis found?
Habitat: In grassland where moths of the Burnet family (
When is Brachymeria tibialis active?
Brachymeria tibialis: seasonal activity - Rarely seen, occasionally hatched from moth pupa..
What is the life cycle of a Brachymeria tibialis?
Parasitic on various moths, especially members of the Burnet family (