Ichneumon suspiciosus
This record describes Ichneumon suspiciosus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Approximately 16 mm long. One of many ichneumon wasps that look very similar. Males and females have different colours and patterns. Females have a band of orange-yellow on the abdomen with a black tip that has white spots on the last three segments. Males have a yellow and black abdomen without the white spots. Both have a black head and thorax with a yellow scutellum and with yellow hind tibia that have a black apical band. It isn't possible to identify this species from photos - a specimen must be keyed. Hedgerows, woodland rides, parks, gardens, and meadows. Often seen on the flowers of Umbellifers. The female lays her eggs into the caterpillars of butterflies and moths particularly the Swift Moth and the larvae feed on the body of the host when they hatch. Fairly frequent in England but few records from elsewhere in Britain.
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, woodland rides, parks, gardens, and meadows. Often seen on the flowers of Umbellifers.
Seasonal Activity
May to September
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The female lays her eggs into the caterpillars of butterflies and moths particularly the Swift Moth and the larvae feed on the body of the host when they hatch.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in England but few records from elsewhere in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ichneumon suspiciosus. 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 Ichneumon suspiciosus (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ichneumon suspiciosus
What is Ichneumon suspiciosus?
Ichneumon suspiciosus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Ichneumon suspiciosus found?
Habitat: Hedgerows, woodland rides, parks, gardens, and meadows. Often seen on the flowers of Umbellifers.
When is Ichneumon suspiciosus active?
Ichneumon suspiciosus: seasonal activity - May to September.
What is the life cycle of a Ichneumon suspiciosus?
The female lays her eggs into the caterpillars of butterflies and moths particularly the Swift Moth and the larvae feed on the body of the host when they hatch.