Entedon
This record describes Entedon (genus). Recorded family: Eulophidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Head | Head and thorax strongly sclerotized, with conspicuous reticulation; antenna usually with 3-segmented funiculus and 2-segmented clava. Propodeum with a distinct ridge along the centre line which is set in a groove. Front wing with the postmarginal vein and stigmal vein very short, more or less equal in length. Collar of the pronotum margined. |
| Head | Head nearly crescentic, occiput ridged. Gaster broadly attached to the thorax, rarely more or less so. Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and submit photos of key features. Endoparasitoid of the larvae of beetles, particularly weevils of the genus Cionus. Graham, MWR de V. (1971) Revision of British Entedon (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), with descriptions of four new species. Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London 123, no. 3: 313-358. No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Eulophidae
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Endoparasitoid of the larvae of beetles, particularly weevils of the genus Cionus.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Entedon. 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.
