Ibalia leucospoides
This record describes Ibalia leucospoides (species). Recorded family: Ibaliidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black head and thorax, and an unmarked dark red abdomen.
Wikipedia reference for Ibalia leucospoides: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ibalia_leucospoides.
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
Geographic Range
NA (much of the US & adjacent Canada), Europe ; much of the Old World (spread by commerce with hosts on timber? =v=)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: Siricinae ( Sirex, Urocerus, Xeris )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ibalia (Ibalia) leucospoides (Hochenwarth 1785)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ibalia leucospoides. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ibalia leucospoides
What is Ibalia leucospoides?
Ibalia leucospoides is a species in the family Ibaliidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Ibalia leucospoides?
Black head and thorax, and an unmarked dark red abdomen.
Where is Ibalia leucospoides found?
Range: NA (much of the US & adjacent Canada), Europe ; much of the Old World (spread by commerce with hosts on timber? =v=)
What does Ibalia leucospoides eat?
The diet of the Ibalia leucospoides includes hosts: Siricinae ( Sirex, Urocerus, Xeris ).