Ibalia anceps
This record describes Ibalia anceps (species). Recorded family: Ibaliidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
predominantly yellow with black markings on head, thorax, and abdomen; first hind tarsal segment longer than remaining segments combined; 2nd hind tarsal segment has long apical process extending to tip of 4th tarsal segment; abdomen compressed laterally (almost knife-like) and longer than head and thorax combined; antenna 13-segmented in female, 15-segmented in male; forewing mottled with brown spots (3 morphs of I. anceps are recognized, each morph differing in wing color pattern)
Wikipedia reference for Ibalia anceps: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibalia_anceps.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Cynipoidea
- Family
- Ibaliidae (Ibaliid Wasps)
- Genus
- Ibalia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
adults may be seen ovipositing on hickory trees, inside which larvae of Tremex horntails are present
Geographic Range
e. US & se. Canada (NS-ON-WI-CO to FL-TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae parasitize larval Tremex (Siricidae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ibalia (Tremibalia) anceps Say 1824
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ibalia anceps. 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 Ibalia anceps (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov , metrioptera , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ibalia anceps
What is Ibalia anceps?
Ibalia anceps is a species in the family Ibaliidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Ibalia anceps?
predominantly yellow with black markings on head, thorax, and abdomen; first hind tarsal segment longer than remaining segments combined; 2nd hind tarsal segment has long apical process extending to tip of 4th tarsal segment; abdomen compressed laterally (almost knife-like) and longer than head and thorax combined; antenna 13-segmented in female, 15-segmented in male; forewing mottled with brown spots (3 morphs of I. anceps are recognized, each morph differing in wing color pattern)
Where is Ibalia anceps found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | adults may be seen ovipositing on hickory trees, inside which larvae of Tremex horntails are present |
| Range | e. US & se. Canada (NS-ON-WI-CO to FL-TX) |
What does Ibalia anceps eat?
The diet of the Ibalia anceps includes larvae parasitize larval Tremex (Siricidae).