Earinus limitaris
This record describes Earinus limitaris (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The newly valid species, E. austinbakeri Sharkey 2022, E. erythropoda Cameron, 1887 stat. rev. , and E. walleyi Sharkey 2022 are essentially identical in coloration and will run to E. limitaris in older keys. Dr. Michael Sharkey notes additional undescribed species that cluster with his treatment of E. austinbakeri .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Braconidae (Braconid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Agathidinae
- Tribe
- Earinini
- Genus
- Earinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Que. and N. S. s. to Va., w. to B. C. and Calif.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitizes moths, including Grapholitha sp. and Xylomyges dolosa .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Earinus limitaris. 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 Earinus limitaris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by ceiseman , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Earinus limitaris
What is Earinus limitaris?
Earinus limitaris is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Earinus limitaris found?
Range: Que. and N. S. s. to Va., w. to B. C. and Calif.
What does Earinus limitaris eat?
The diet of the Earinus limitaris includes Parasitizes moths, including Grapholitha sp. and Xylomyges dolosa ..