Halidamia affinis
This record describes Halidamia affinis (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Blennocampinae
- Tribe
- Waldheimiini
- Genus
- Halidamia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, introduced to ne. US, spread through much of the US
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae on Galium
Life History
entirely parthenogenetic in the northern part of its range
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Halidamia affinis (Fallén 1807)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Halidamia affinis. 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 Halidamia affinis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Halidamia affinis
How big is Halidamia affinis?
avg. BL: ♂ 5.0 mm, ♀ 6.5 mm
Where is Halidamia affinis found?
Range: Native to Europe, introduced to ne. US, spread through much of the US
What does Halidamia affinis eat?
The diet of the Halidamia affinis includes larvae on Galium.
What is the life cycle of a Halidamia affinis?
entirely parthenogenetic in the northern part of its range