Diplazon laetatorius
This record describes Diplazon laetatorius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Diplazon laetatorius: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplazon_laetatorius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Diplazontinae
- Genus
- Diplazon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows, meadows etc.
Seasonal Activity
June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The adults will take nectar from flowers such as umbellifers, whilst the larvae are parasitic on the eggs and larvae of other insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thought to be fairly frequent in Britain, but a lack of records makes accurate information difficult to obtain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Diplazon laetatorius. 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 Diplazon laetatorius (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Diplazon laetatorius
How big is Diplazon laetatorius?
4 to 7 mm. This black and red bodied ichneumon is distinctive in having a white band in the leg.
Where is Diplazon laetatorius found?
Habitat: Hedgerows, meadows etc.
When is Diplazon laetatorius active?
Diplazon laetatorius: seasonal activity - June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Diplazon laetatorius?
The adults will take nectar from flowers such as umbellifers, whilst the larvae are parasitic on the eggs and larvae of other insects.