Enicospilus inflexus
This record describes Enicospilus inflexus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large orange-bodied wasp it is similar to other Ophioninae species and care is needed with identification. Unless confirmed by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Found on moorland and sometimes attracted to light. It is a parasitoid of Lasiocampid moths such as The Drinker and Oak Eggar. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
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
Found on moorland and sometimes attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a parasitoid of Lasiocampid moths such as The Drinker and Oak Eggar.
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 inflexus. 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 Enicospilus inflexus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Enicospilus inflexus
What is Enicospilus inflexus?
Enicospilus inflexus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Enicospilus inflexus found?
Habitat: Found on moorland and sometimes attracted to light.
When is Enicospilus inflexus active?
Enicospilus inflexus: seasonal activity - Peak time is summer..
What is the life cycle of a Enicospilus inflexus?
It is a parasitoid of Lasiocampid moths such as The Drinker and Oak Eggar.