Diphyus quadripunctorius
This record describes Diphyus quadripunctorius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large and distinctively marked black and yellow species with the femora (thighs) on the rear legs being orange in the female and yellow in the male. The species is sexually dimorphic with females having a pale section on their antennae and very different abdominal pattern to the males. Amblyteles armatorius is similar but has spines on the propodium. Little is known about the numbers or distribution in Britain due to lack of records.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Diphyus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland edge and lush meadows.
Seasonal Activity
Most often seen in spring and summer
Additional species information
Recorded status
Little is known about the numbers or distribution in Britain due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Diphyus quadripunctorius. 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 Diphyus quadripunctorius (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Diphyus quadripunctorius
What is Diphyus quadripunctorius?
Diphyus quadripunctorius is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Diphyus quadripunctorius found?
Habitat: Woodland edge and lush meadows.
When is Diphyus quadripunctorius active?
Diphyus quadripunctorius: seasonal activity - Most often seen in spring and summer.