Charmon
This record describes Charmon (genus). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Charmon species typically range from dark brown to reddish-orange and black, with wings that are largely clear but heavily veined. The most striking feature of female Charmon wasps is their highly elongated ovipositor which can sometimes be as long as or longer than the entire body. They also have long, multi-segmented antennae and long legs, giving them a spindly appearance. Forewing with one submarginal cell (two in Macrocentrus ). Two recognized UK species, Charmon extensor & Charmon cruentatus , but DNA studies suggest these may be species complexes. 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 microlepidopteran larvae including Tortricidae and Gelechiidae. 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
- Charmontinae
- Genus
- Charmon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Endoparasitoids of microlepidopteran larvae including Tortricidae and Gelechiidae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Charmon. 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.