Euplectrus bicolor
This record describes Euplectrus bicolor (species). Recorded family: Eulophidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Length 2-3mm. Antenna with scape yellowish-brown with dorsal edge pale brown, pedicel and flagellomeres 1+2 yellowish-brown, flagellomeres 3–6 pale brown. |
| Head | Head black and shiny, lower face with median part yellowish-brown reaching laterally to level of outer edge of toruli. Vertex smooth and shiny. Reticulation on posterior part of scutellum with elongate meshes, appearing striate. |
| Legs | Legs yellowish-brown. |
| Forewing | Forewing costal cell with two rows of setae on ventral surface, and margin with four setae close to marginal vein. Gaster dark brown with a yellowish-brown spot in anterior part. Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and include photos of key features. All host records are from Lepidoptera caterpillars and the dominant host groups are Geometridae and Noctuidae. Hansson, C., & Schmidt, S. (2018). Revision of the European species of Euplectrus Westwood (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), with a key to European species of Euplectrini. Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 67, 1-35. No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Eulophidae
- Genus
- Euplectrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
All host records are from Lepidoptera caterpillars and the dominant host groups are Geometridae and Noctuidae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Euplectrus bicolor. 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 Euplectrus bicolor (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Euplectrus bicolor
What is Euplectrus bicolor?
Euplectrus bicolor is a species in the family Eulophidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
When is Euplectrus bicolor active?
Euplectrus bicolor: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Euplectrus bicolor?
All host records are from Lepidoptera caterpillars and the dominant host groups are Geometridae and Noctuidae.