Enicospilus combustus
This record describes Enicospilus combustus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Pronotum, mesopleuron, mesocutum and propodeum with dark patches in this species. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Usually crepuscular or nocturnal and sometimes attracted to light. Enicospilus species are parasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Enicospilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually crepuscular or nocturnal and sometimes attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Enicospilus
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Enicospilus combustus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enicospilus combustus
What is Enicospilus combustus?
Enicospilus combustus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Enicospilus combustus found?
Habitat: Usually crepuscular or nocturnal and sometimes attracted to light.
When is Enicospilus combustus active?
Enicospilus combustus: seasonal activity - June to September..
What is the life cycle of a Enicospilus combustus?
Enicospilus