Gasteruption minutum
This record describes Gasteruption minutum (species). Recorded family: Gasteruptiidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are five Gasteruption species on the British checklist. The female Gasteruption minutum can be distinguished because of its short ovipositor. Female: Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required showing the female ovipositor. Females visit the nests of various solitary bees or wasps, pushing her ovipositor into the nest, depositing her own eggs on or near to the eggs of the host, on hatching they will feed on the grubs of the host as well as on stored food. Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Gasteruptiidae
- Genus
- Gasteruption
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Summer to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females visit the nests of various solitary bees or wasps, pushing her ovipositor into the nest, depositing her own eggs on or near to the eggs of the host, on hatching they will feed on the grubs of the host as well as on stored food.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Gasteruption minutum. 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 Gasteruption minutum
What is Gasteruption minutum?
Gasteruption minutum is a species in the family Gasteruptiidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Gasteruption minutum found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Gasteruption minutum active?
Gasteruption minutum: seasonal activity - Summer to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Gasteruption minutum?
Females visit the nests of various solitary bees or wasps, pushing her ovipositor into the nest, depositing her own eggs on or near to the eggs of the host, on hatching they will feed on the grubs of the host as well as on stored food.