Epitranus clavatus
This record describes Epitranus clavatus (species). Recorded family: Chalcididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
introduced in 1997 or earlier. Originally known from the Neotropics and Asia ( Grissel & Smith 2003 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Chalcididae (Chalcidid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Epitraninae
- Genus
- Epitranus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (introduced), W. Indies, Brazil, Guyana, Hawaii, India, Taiwan, Seychelles
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Primary hosts: Tineidae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epitranus clavatus (Fabricius 1804)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Epitranus clavatus. 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 Epitranus clavatus
What is Epitranus clavatus?
Epitranus clavatus is a species in the family Chalcididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Epitranus clavatus found?
Range: e. US (introduced), W. Indies, Brazil, Guyana, Hawaii, India, Taiwan, Seychelles
What does Epitranus clavatus eat?
The diet of the Epitranus clavatus includes Primary hosts: Tineidae.