Clistopyga atrata
This record describes Clistopyga atrata (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species is identified within its genus by its almost entirely black body to dark brown and its complete submetapleural carina. The female has an entirely coarse-punctated metapleuron and a slender, only weakly upwardly-curved ovipositor. The male has an entirely dark face and coarse punctures on the propodeum, metapleuron, and metasoma.
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
- Clistopyga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Collected on Pinus contorta murrayana (tamarack pine)
Geographic Range
AZ, CA, NV
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Calopus angustus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Clistopyga atrata Cushman, 1922
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Clistopyga atrata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clistopyga atrata
What is Clistopyga atrata?
Clistopyga atrata is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Clistopyga atrata?
Body length 6.5–7.6 mm, fore wing length 4.7–5.2 mm
How do you identify Clistopyga atrata?
This species is identified within its genus by its almost entirely black body to dark brown and its complete submetapleural carina. The female has an entirely coarse-punctated metapleuron and a slender, only weakly upwardly-curved ovipositor. The male has an entirely dark face and coarse punctures on the propodeum, metapleuron, and metasoma.
Where is Clistopyga atrata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Collected on Pinus contorta murrayana (tamarack pine) |
| Range | AZ, CA, NV |
What does Clistopyga atrata eat?
The diet of the Clistopyga atrata includes Calopus angustus.