Compsocryptus texensis
This record describes Compsocryptus texensis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female with the base of the flagellum uniformly ferruginous and lacking any sign of a white annulus. Male with the first flagellomere entirely fulvous (not fuscous above), T4 basally darkened, hind femur entirely red, hind tibia black with yellow base, hind tarsi yellow.
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
central US (KX, OK, TX)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Compsocryptus texensis. 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 texensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Compsocryptus texensis
What is Compsocryptus texensis?
Compsocryptus texensis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Compsocryptus texensis?
Forewing 7.0 - 12.5
How do you identify Compsocryptus texensis?
Female with the base of the flagellum uniformly ferruginous and lacking any sign of a white annulus. Male with the first flagellomere entirely fulvous (not fuscous above), T4 basally darkened, hind femur entirely red, hind tibia black with yellow base, hind tarsi yellow.
Where is Compsocryptus texensis found?
Range: central US (KX, OK, TX)