Ephialtes manifestator
This record describes Ephialtes manifestator (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance

An entirely black species with orange legs. The female has an extremely long ovipositor (up to 6 cm) for probing the nest of solitary bees and wasps, together with the wide, pale brown clypeus on the lower face. Males are not as conspicuous, but can be recognised among many similar, mostly black ichneumonids by a fringe of long, curved hairs along the leading edge of the forewing, together with a wide, pale brown clypeus. Can be confused with species of Dolichomitus and various Pimplinae. 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. Hosts are the pupae of solitary bees and wasps. Often reared from bee hotels. True status is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but seems to be widespread in the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Ephialtes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and woodland areas.
Seasonal Activity
Flight period May to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Hosts are the pupae of solitary bees and wasps. Often reared from bee hotels.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but seems to be widespread in the southern half of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ephialtes manifestator. 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 Ephialtes manifestator (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ephialtes manifestator
What is Ephialtes manifestator?
Ephialtes manifestator is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Ephialtes manifestator found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and woodland areas.
When is Ephialtes manifestator active?
Ephialtes manifestator: seasonal activity - Flight period May to September..
What is the life cycle of a Ephialtes manifestator?
Hosts are the pupae of solitary bees and wasps. Often reared from bee hotels.
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