Calliephialtes grapholithae
This record describes Calliephialtes grapholithae (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A distinct and prominent species of Calliephialtes with a black head, mostly reddish-orange thorax, black propodeum, white legs with minor black markings, and black abdomen with slight white bands on the apical segments. Female (left) and male (right)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pimplinae
- Tribe
- Ephialtini
- Genus
- Calliephialtes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eastern US (MA to FL, to MI, & TX)
Seasonal Activity
early spring to late fall
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are parasitoids of various caterpillar species, including: Pyralidae ( Acrobasis betulella , A. juglandis , A. rubrifasciella ), Sesiidae ( Carmenta texana ), Tortricidae ( Grapholita molesta , Cydia caryana ), Thyrididae ( Meskea dyspteraria ), Cosmopterigidae ( Periploca ceanothiella ), and Psychidae ( Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis ). One lepidopteran reported host of economic importance is Cydia caryana due to its affecting pecan production. Non-lepidopteran hosts include the plum snout beetle ( Conotrachelus nenuphar ) and plant-parasitizing bugs ( Phylloxera sp. ).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calliephialtes grapholithae (Cresson, 1890)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Calliephialtes grapholithae. 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 Calliephialtes grapholithae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Calliephialtes grapholithae
What is Calliephialtes grapholithae?
Calliephialtes grapholithae is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Calliephialtes grapholithae?
A distinct and prominent species of Calliephialtes with a black head, mostly reddish-orange thorax, black propodeum, white legs with minor black markings, and black abdomen with slight white bands on the apical segments. Female (left) and male (right)
Where is Calliephialtes grapholithae found?
Range: eastern US (MA to FL, to MI, & TX)
What does Calliephialtes grapholithae eat?
The diet of the Calliephialtes grapholithae includes Larvae are parasitoids of various caterpillar species, including: Pyralidae ( Acrobasis betulella , A. juglandis , A. rubrifasciella ), Sesiidae ( Carmenta texana ), Tortricidae ( Grapholita molesta , Cydia caryana ), Thyrididae ( Meskea dyspteraria ), Cosmopterigidae ( Periploca ceanothiella ), and Psychidae ( Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis ). One lepidopteran reported host of economic importance is Cydia caryana due to its affecting pecan production. Non-lepidopteran hosts include the plum snout beetle ( Conotrachelus nenuphar ) and plant-parasitizing bugs ( Phylloxera sp. )..
When is Calliephialtes grapholithae active?
Calliephialtes grapholithae: seasonal activity - early spring to late fall.