Cyrtogaster vulgaris
This record describes Cyrtogaster vulgaris (species). Recorded family: Pteromalidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
2-3mm long metallic green-bronze-green wasp. Like most Pteromalids, they have elbowed (geniculate) antennae with a 13-segmented structure (including the tiny ring segments). The clypeus (the area above the mouthparts) usually has a distinct, slightly emarginated (notched) front edge. Microscopic examination and photos of key features required. In grasslands, gardens, and hedgerows - anywhere leaf-mining flies (Agromyzidae) are active. Parasitoid of leaf-mining flies (Agromyzidae), including Phytomyza ilicis , the Holly Leaf-miner.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Pteromalidae
- Genus
- Cyrtogaster
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In grasslands, gardens, and hedgerows - anywhere leaf-mining flies (Agromyzidae) are active.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoid of leaf-mining flies (Agromyzidae), including
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common but under recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cyrtogaster vulgaris. 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 Cyrtogaster vulgaris (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cyrtogaster vulgaris
What is Cyrtogaster vulgaris?
Cyrtogaster vulgaris is a species in the family Pteromalidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Cyrtogaster vulgaris found?
Habitat: In grasslands, gardens, and hedgerows - anywhere leaf-mining flies (Agromyzidae) are active.
When is Cyrtogaster vulgaris active?
Cyrtogaster vulgaris: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Cyrtogaster vulgaris?
Parasitoid of leaf-mining flies (Agromyzidae), including