Ichneumon extensorius
This record describes Ichneumon extensorius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 8-16 mm. A sexually dimorphic species. The female has a white tip to the abdomen, a white mark at the base of the thorax, and white banded antennae. The male is markedly different with yellow and black legs and abdomen, a bright yellow scutellum and no bands on the antennae. Males can only be identified to species by microscopic examination. Under recorded - hardly any British records exist for this species. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Ichneumon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
March to November
Additional species information
Recorded status
Under recorded - hardly any British records exist for this species.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ichneumon extensorius. 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 Ichneumon extensorius
What is Ichneumon extensorius?
Ichneumon extensorius is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Ichneumon extensorius?
8-16 mm. A sexually dimorphic species. The female has a white tip to the abdomen, a white mark at the base of the thorax, and white banded antennae. The male is markedly different with yellow and black legs and abdomen, a bright yellow scutellum and no bands on the antennae. Males can only be identified to species by microscopic examination.
Where is Ichneumon extensorius found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and well wooded areas.
When is Ichneumon extensorius active?
Ichneumon extensorius: seasonal activity - March to November.