Compsocryptus calipterus
This record describes Compsocryptus calipterus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females are colored much like C. texensis except the ground color of the body is slightly lighter, the flagellum often has a white annulus (sometimes reduced or absent), and the wings typically have narrower black markings. Males are much like C. texensis except the first flagellomere is often fuscous above, the hind femur is often darker, and the hind femur is infuscated apically. Also very similar to other species within the western part of its range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Cryptinae
- Tribe
- Cryptini
- Genus
- Compsocryptus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
western US (AZ, CA, NM, OK, TX)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Compsocryptus calipterus. 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 Compsocryptus calipterus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Compsocryptus calipterus
What is Compsocryptus calipterus?
Compsocryptus calipterus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Compsocryptus calipterus?
Forewing 8.0 - 12.5 mm ♀, 7.5 - 12.5 ♂
How do you identify Compsocryptus calipterus?
Females are colored much like C. texensis except the ground color of the body is slightly lighter, the flagellum often has a white annulus (sometimes reduced or absent), and the wings typically have narrower black markings. Males are much like C. texensis except the first flagellomere is often fuscous above, the hind femur is often darker, and the hind femur is infuscated apically. Also very similar to other species within the western part of its range.
Where is Compsocryptus calipterus found?
Range: western US (AZ, CA, NM, OK, TX)