Gasteruption tarsatorium
This record describes Gasteruption tarsatorium (species). Recorded family: Gasteruptiidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In eastern US, the nominate subspecies is distinguished by the long ovipositor (~ 2.1x forewing), reddish tegulae and posterior corners of pronotum, and white stripe down the length of the fore and mid tibiae. Frequently not identifiable in photos.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Evanioidea
- Family
- Gasteruptiidae (Carrot Wasps)
- Genus
- Gasteruption
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern North America ( G. t. tarsatorium ), Arizona ( G. t. solaris )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Gasteruption tarsatorium. 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 Gasteruption tarsatorium (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Gasteruption tarsatorium
What is Gasteruption tarsatorium?
Gasteruption tarsatorium is a species in the family Gasteruptiidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Gasteruption tarsatorium?
In eastern US, the nominate subspecies is distinguished by the long ovipositor (~ 2.1x forewing), reddish tegulae and posterior corners of pronotum, and white stripe down the length of the fore and mid tibiae. Frequently not identifiable in photos.
Where is Gasteruption tarsatorium found?
Range: Eastern North America ( G. t. tarsatorium ), Arizona ( G. t. solaris )