Compsocryptus fasciipennis
This record describes Compsocryptus fasciipennis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body almost entirely bluish black apart from slight fulvous tinges on the head, antennae strongly yellow with the apex black, forewing black with but a single yellowish-orange band. Our only Compsocryptus that isn't fulvous to ferruginous in color. Also our only eastern species.
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
s.FL (tropics); Cuba
Seasonal Activity
Dec‒Apr
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Compsocryptus fasciipennis (Brulleé1846)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Compsocryptus fasciipennis. 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 fasciipennis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Compsocryptus fasciipennis
What is Compsocryptus fasciipennis?
Compsocryptus fasciipennis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Compsocryptus fasciipennis?
Body almost entirely bluish black apart from slight fulvous tinges on the head, antennae strongly yellow with the apex black, forewing black with but a single yellowish-orange band. Our only Compsocryptus that isn't fulvous to ferruginous in color. Also our only eastern species.
Where is Compsocryptus fasciipennis found?
Range: s.FL (tropics); Cuba
When is Compsocryptus fasciipennis active?
Compsocryptus fasciipennis: seasonal activity - Dec‒Apr.