Conura xanthostigma
This record describes Conura xanthostigma (species). Recorded family: Chalcididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This Chalcid Wasp is around 8 mm long and is black with a number of yellow bars and spots. It lives parasitically in the larvae of sawflies of the genus Arge. It seems to be quite rare in Britain with only a handful of records, but it is difficult to get an accurate assesment since Chalcid Wasps are poorly recorded. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Chalcididae
- Genus
- Conura
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats
Seasonal Activity
Summer and early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It lives parasitically in the larvae of sawflies of the genus
Additional species information
Recorded status
It seems to be quite rare in Britain with only a handful of records, but it is difficult to get an accurate assesment since Chalcid Wasps are poorly recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Conura xanthostigma. 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 Conura xanthostigma
What is Conura xanthostigma?
Conura xanthostigma is a species in the family Chalcididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Conura xanthostigma found?
Habitat: Various habitats
When is Conura xanthostigma active?
Conura xanthostigma: seasonal activity - Summer and early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Conura xanthostigma?
It lives parasitically in the larvae of sawflies of the genus