Eriborus terebrans
This record describes Eriborus terebrans (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Palearctic species introduced in NA to control the European corn borer ( Ostrinia nubilalis ) Introduced repeatedly from 1927 through 1940.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Campopleginae
- Genus
- Eriborus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Corn fields and surrounding habitats
Geographic Range
native to Eurasia; MA-ON-ND-IL-MD
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ostrinia nubilalis , the European corn borer
Life History
overwinters as a larva inside its host, the corn borer. Adults may live 7-10 days under ideal conditions
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Eriborus terebrans. 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 Eriborus terebrans
What is Eriborus terebrans?
Eriborus terebrans is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Eriborus terebrans?
Female 6-10 mm long. Male 5-7 mm.
Where is Eriborus terebrans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Corn fields and surrounding habitats |
| Range | native to Eurasia; MA-ON-ND-IL-MD |
What does Eriborus terebrans eat?
The diet of the Eriborus terebrans includes Ostrinia nubilalis , the European corn borer.
What is the life cycle of a Eriborus terebrans?
overwinters as a larva inside its host, the corn borer. Adults may live 7-10 days under ideal conditions