Homotherus locutor
This record describes Homotherus locutor (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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. Larva is a parasite of Geometridae moths. True status in Britain is difficult to deter mine due to lack of records.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Homotherus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and well vegetated places.
Seasonal Activity
May to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larva is a parasite of Geometridae moths.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to deter mine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Homotherus locutor. 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 Homotherus locutor (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Homotherus locutor
What is Homotherus locutor?
Homotherus locutor is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Homotherus locutor?
Male 6 to 9mm, Female 4 to 8mm.
Where is Homotherus locutor found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and well vegetated places.
When is Homotherus locutor active?
Homotherus locutor: seasonal activity - May to October..
What is the life cycle of a Homotherus locutor?
Larva is a parasite of Geometridae moths.