Cymodusa distincta
This record describes Cymodusa distincta (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Basal flagellomeres of female white on inner side, black on outer side.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Campopleginae
- Genus
- Cymodusa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassy meadows.
Geographic Range
ME to BC & OR to n. GA to CO
Diet and Behavior
Diet: No hosts have been documented for this species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cymodusa distincta. 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 Cymodusa distincta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Cymodusa distincta
What is Cymodusa distincta?
Cymodusa distincta is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Cymodusa distincta?
Basal flagellomeres of female white on inner side, black on outer side.
Where is Cymodusa distincta found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Grassy meadows. |
| Range | ME to BC & OR to n. GA to CO |
What does Cymodusa distincta eat?
The diet of the Cymodusa distincta includes No hosts have been documented for this species..