Hepiopelmus variegatorius
This record describes Hepiopelmus variegatorius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a fairly large (approximately 15mm long) and distinctively marked black and yellow Ichneumon with yellow u-shape on the mesonotum, thick yellow band along inner margin of eye, yellow marks only on front part of metasoma. Various habitats, often in well vegetated areas. In Britain this wasp is a parasitoid of Buff and White Ermine moths. The female injects her long ovipositor inside the host caterpillar and deposits her eggs into the caterpillar’s body. Her young hatch and devour their host, pupate, and emerge to begin the cycle again. Not well recorded in Britain where it appears to be widespread but uncommon.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Hepiopelmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats, often in well vegetated areas.
Seasonal Activity
Usually seen in September in Britain.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
In Britain this wasp is a parasitoid of Buff and White Ermine moths. The female injects her long ovipositor inside the host caterpillar and deposits her eggs into the caterpillar’s body. Her young hatch and devour their host, pupate, and emerge to begin the cycle again.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Not well recorded in Britain where it appears to be widespread but uncommon.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Hepiopelmus variegatorius. 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 Hepiopelmus variegatorius (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hepiopelmus variegatorius
What is Hepiopelmus variegatorius?
Hepiopelmus variegatorius is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Hepiopelmus variegatorius found?
Habitat: Various habitats, often in well vegetated areas.
When is Hepiopelmus variegatorius active?
Hepiopelmus variegatorius: seasonal activity - Usually seen in September in Britain..
What is the life cycle of a Hepiopelmus variegatorius?
In Britain this wasp is a parasitoid of Buff and White Ermine moths. The female injects her long ovipositor inside the host caterpillar and deposits her eggs into the caterpillar’s body. Her young hatch and devour their host, pupate, and emerge to begin the cycle again.