Haltichella xanticles
This record describes Haltichella xanticles (species). Recorded family: Chalcididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
When trying to separate the two common California species you look at tergite 1. If it is smooth then you have Haltichella xanticles . If its punctulate then you have H. rhyacioniae .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Chalcididae (Chalcidid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Haltichellinae
- Genus
- Haltichella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread, southern Canada to Florida and California, south into Mexico.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Various Lepidoptera and secondarily on their Braconid parasites. Lepidoptera host records include Lymantria dispar (spongy moth), Rhyacionia buoliana , Rhyacionia sp., Grapholitha molesta , Exoteleia pinifoliella , Coleophora laricella , Bucculatrix canadensisella , Solenobia walshella , and Dioryctria disclusa . Braconid host records include Cotesia melanoscelus and an unknown parasite of Coleophora salmani .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Haltichella xanticles. 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 Haltichella xanticles (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Haltichella xanticles
What is Haltichella xanticles?
Haltichella xanticles is a species in the family Chalcididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Haltichella xanticles?
When trying to separate the two common California species you look at tergite 1. If it is smooth then you have Haltichella xanticles . If its punctulate then you have H. rhyacioniae .
Where is Haltichella xanticles found?
Range: Widespread, southern Canada to Florida and California, south into Mexico.
What does Haltichella xanticles eat?
The diet of the Haltichella xanticles includes Various Lepidoptera and secondarily on their Braconid parasites. Lepidoptera host records include Lymantria dispar (spongy moth), Rhyacionia buoliana , Rhyacionia sp., Grapholitha molesta , Exoteleia pinifoliella , Coleophora laricella , Bucculatrix canadensisella , Solenobia walshella , and Dioryctria disclusa . Braconid host records include Cotesia melanoscelus and an unknown parasite of Coleophora salmani ..