Homalotylus hemipterinus
This record describes Homalotylus hemipterinus (species). Recorded family: Encyrtidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
There are two UK species in this genus. In Homalotylus flaminius the hind tarsus is white, the clava either dark on the basal third and whitish on the distal two-thirds, or black with a paler tip Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Endoparasitoid of the larvae of Ladybirds (Coccinellidae). Tirunagaru, K., Sagadai, M., & Kumar, A. (2016) Five new species of Homalotylus Mayr (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) from India with a key to Indian species. Journal of Natural History, 50(37-38), 2369-2387. No additional images available for this species.
Identification notes
- online help
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Encyrtidae
- Genus
- Homalotylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Endoparasitoid of the larvae of Ladybirds (Coccinellidae).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Unknown.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Homalotylus hemipterinus. 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 Homalotylus hemipterinus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Homalotylus hemipterinus
What is Homalotylus hemipterinus?
Homalotylus hemipterinus is a species in the family Encyrtidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Homalotylus hemipterinus?
- online help
What is the life cycle of a Homalotylus hemipterinus?
Endoparasitoid of the larvae of Ladybirds (Coccinellidae).