Enicospilus purgatus
This record describes Enicospilus purgatus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Recognized by the pattern of sclerites in the discosubmarginal cell of the fore wing: proximal and central sclerite prominent but distal sclerite reduced to a thin crescent. Mandible with a longitudinal furrow which bears setae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ophioninae
- Genus
- Enicospilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
widespread Canada to Argentina (less common in Rocky Mtn states)
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Drepana bilineata (Packard, 1864) Agrotis subterranea (Fabricius, 1794) Alabama argillacea (Hübner, 1823) Discestra trifolii (Hufnagel, 1766) Leucania latiuscula Herrich-Schaffer, 1868 Leucania multilinea Walker, 1856 Melanchra picta (Harris, 1841) Mocis latipes (Guenée, 1852) Peridroma saucia (Hübner, 1808) Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linnaeus, 1758) Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenée, 1852) Heterocampa guttivitta (Walker, 1855) Schizura concinna (Smith, 1797) Schizura unicornis (Smith, 1797)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Enicospilus purgatus. 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 purgatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by anitagould , Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum , PaleoJon , behmrachel , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Enicospilus purgatus
What is Enicospilus purgatus?
Enicospilus purgatus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Enicospilus purgatus?
Recognized by the pattern of sclerites in the discosubmarginal cell of the fore wing: proximal and central sclerite prominent but distal sclerite reduced to a thin crescent. Mandible with a longitudinal furrow which bears setae.
Where is Enicospilus purgatus found?
Range: widespread Canada to Argentina (less common in Rocky Mtn states)
What does Enicospilus purgatus eat?
The diet of the Enicospilus purgatus includes Hosts: Drepana bilineata (Packard, 1864) Agrotis subterranea (Fabricius, 1794) Alabama argillacea (Hübner, 1823) Discestra trifolii (Hufnagel, 1766) Leucania latiuscula Herrich-Schaffer, 1868 Leucania multilinea Walker, 1856 Melanchra picta (Harris, 1841) Mocis latipes (Guenée, 1852) Peridroma saucia (Hübner, 1808) Mythimna unipuncta (Haworth, 1809) Scoliopteryx libatrix (Linnaeus, 1758) Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797) Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenée, 1852) Heterocampa guttivitta (Walker, 1855) Schizura concinna (Smith, 1797) Schizura unicornis (Smith, 1797).
When is Enicospilus purgatus active?
Enicospilus purgatus: seasonal activity - mostly May-Oct (BG data).