Heteropelma datanae
This record describes Heteropelma datanae (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar in coloration to both Therion nigripes and T. tenuipes among the Anomaloninae. Both species have a less elongate first tarsomere and longer following tarsomeres. Each also has some degree of yellow facial markings. The Ophionine species Thyreodon atricolor bears similar coloration as well but differs in terms of wing venation, ovipositor length in the females, and a knob on the abdomen typical of many ophionine species. Left to right: Therion nigripes , Therion tenuipes , and Thyreodon atricolor
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Anomaloninae
- Tribe
- Gravenhorstiini
- Genus
- Heteropelma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC west to MN, south to GA, s. LA, & ne. KS
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: Datana contracta , D. integerrima , D. ministra , and Datana perspicua .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Heteropelma datanae. 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 Heteropelma datanae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Heteropelma datanae
What is Heteropelma datanae?
Heteropelma datanae is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Heteropelma datanae found?
Range: QC west to MN, south to GA, s. LA, & ne. KS
What does Heteropelma datanae eat?
The diet of the Heteropelma datanae includes Larval hosts: Datana contracta , D. integerrima , D. ministra , and Datana perspicua ..