Bracon
This record describes Bracon (genus). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Cyclostome mouthparts - a distinct circular or semicircular opening above the mandibles formed by a deeply concave, recessed clypeus and an exposed, hollowed-out labrum. Occipital carina entirely absent (the back of the head lacks a transverse bounding ridge). |
| Antennae | Antennae long, thread-like (filiform). |
| Forewing | Forewing venation is characteristic. First tergite (T1) broad (less than 2x as long as wide) with a domed median area and lateral longitudinal grooves. Female ovipositor varies in length from shorter than the metasoma to several times its body length depending on host biology, with setose ovipositor sheaths. Over 80 UK species, very difficult to identify. 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. Parasitoids of the larvae of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (true flies), and Hymenoptera (sawflies), especially species concealed inside plant tissues, seed pods, or stored grain. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Braconidae (Braconid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Braconinae
- Genus
- Bracon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoids of the larvae of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (true flies), and Hymenoptera (sawflies), especially species concealed inside plant tissues, seed pods, or stored grain.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Bracon. 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 Bracon (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bracon
What is Bracon?
Bracon is a genus in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Bracon?
from shorter than the metasoma to several times its body length depending on host biology, with setose ovipositor sheaths.
What is the life cycle of a Bracon?
Parasitoids of the larvae of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), Coleoptera (beetles), Diptera (true flies), and Hymenoptera (sawflies), especially species concealed inside plant tissues, seed pods, or stored grain.