Gnamptopelta obsidianator
This record describes Gnamptopelta obsidianator (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very large blue-black Ichneumon with orange antennae. See images and comments there. Frequents flowers, presumably seeking nectar (?). Several other ichneumonids have this same general pattern (Eric Eaton--comments under various photos). These large ichneumons resemble spider wasps (Pompilidae) with their beautiful blue-black coloration and prominent orange marks. They are likely mimics of such wasps as Entypus and Pepsis menechma : All have orange antennae. Presumably the spider wasp has a wicked sting, but not the ichneumon. Note that identification of species in this family is exceptionally difficult, if not impossible, from photographs, except in a few cases. Note the comments under each photo listed under this species here.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ichneumoninae
- Tribe
- Ichneumonini
- Genus
- Gnamptopelta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Fields with flowers, also forests
Geographic Range
Widespread eastern United States into Canada (QC. west to MB, south to FL, s. LA., TX, & NM)
Seasonal Activity
Late spring-summer.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults take nectar, apparently.
Life History
Parasitiod on Sphingid Lepidoptera larvae, especially those found on grapes, Vitis .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species name likely from Latin obsidere , meaning to watch over, to besiege, to be on the lookout for. (Latin Dictionary). Suffix -nator indicates "one who", so this is the "Bent-shielded ( Gnamptopelta ) besieger".
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Gnamptopelta obsidianator. 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 Gnamptopelta obsidianator (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Bob Carlson , KenW , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Gnamptopelta obsidianator
What is Gnamptopelta obsidianator?
Gnamptopelta obsidianator is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Gnamptopelta obsidianator?
20-25 mm
How do you identify Gnamptopelta obsidianator?
Very large blue-black Ichneumon with orange antennae. See images and comments there. Frequents flowers, presumably seeking nectar (?). Several other ichneumonids have this same general pattern (Eric Eaton--comments under various photos). These large ichneumons resemble spider wasps (Pompilidae) with their beautiful blue-black coloration and prominent orange marks. They are likely mimics of such wasps as Entypus and Pepsis menechma : All have orange antennae. Presumably the spider wasp has a wicked sting, but not the ichneumon.
Where is Gnamptopelta obsidianator found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Fields with flowers, also forests |
| Range | Widespread eastern United States into Canada (QC. west to MB, south to FL, s. LA., TX, & NM) |
What does Gnamptopelta obsidianator eat?
The diet of the Gnamptopelta obsidianator includes Adults take nectar, apparently..
When is Gnamptopelta obsidianator active?
Gnamptopelta obsidianator: seasonal activity - Late spring-summer..
What is the life cycle of a Gnamptopelta obsidianator?
Parasitiod on Sphingid Lepidoptera larvae, especially those found on grapes, Vitis .