HymenopteraIchneumonidae – Ichneumonid Wasps

Coleocentrus pettiti

This record describes Coleocentrus pettiti (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Coleocentrus pettiti - Coleocentrus pettiti
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera

Separated from similarly-colored Coleocentrus by the darkened hind tibiae and ovipositor length of 1.08x forewing length.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
Superfamily
Ichneumonoidea
Family
Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
Subfamily
Acaenitinae
Genus
Coleocentrus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

primarily northeastern (NS to w. NC, to MN) and CO

About Flies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Coleocentrus pettiti. 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.

Explore Hymenoptera families and species →

Photos of Coleocentrus pettiti (5)

Coleocentrus pettiti - photo 1
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Coleocentrus pettiti - photo 2
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Coleocentrus pettiti - photo 3
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Coleocentrus pettiti - photo 4
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Coleocentrus pettiti - photo 5
Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera

Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera

Frequently Asked Questions About Coleocentrus pettiti

What is Coleocentrus pettiti?

Coleocentrus pettiti is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.

How do you identify Coleocentrus pettiti?

Separated from similarly-colored Coleocentrus by the darkened hind tibiae and ovipositor length of 1.08x forewing length.

Where is Coleocentrus pettiti found?

Range: primarily northeastern (NS to w. NC, to MN) and CO

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by metrioptera. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.