Cryptus albitarsis
This record describes Cryptus albitarsis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are most readily diagnosed and are noted for their prominent white hind tarsi and red abdomens. Females have entirely black bodies and legs apart from a red abdomen and typically with wings subhyaline to weakly infuscate. Though there are several species with similarly colored females, this is the most prevalent across its range. Images of some other species of Cryptus would be difficult to distinguish from albitaris , but C. albitarsis is very common and the probability is high that all or most of the images that have been moved to this BG taxon are C. albitarsis .
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
- Cryptus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts include Helicoverpa zea , Grapholita molesta , and some other common agricultural pests.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cryptus albitarsis (Cresson, 1864)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cryptus albitarsis. 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 Cryptus albitarsis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptus albitarsis
What is Cryptus albitarsis?
Cryptus albitarsis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Cryptus albitarsis?
Males are most readily diagnosed and are noted for their prominent white hind tarsi and red abdomens. Females have entirely black bodies and legs apart from a red abdomen and typically with wings subhyaline to weakly infuscate. Though there are several species with similarly colored females, this is the most prevalent across its range.
What does Cryptus albitarsis eat?
The diet of the Cryptus albitarsis includes Hosts include Helicoverpa zea , Grapholita molesta , and some other common agricultural pests..