Labena grallator
This record describes Labena grallator (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apical ~0.3 of antennae blackish, wings often conspicuously darkened. Color variable: eastern specimens primarily red, western specimens always conspicuously yellow-marked. Female (left) and male (right) Highly variable in terms of yellow markings. Townes described these as five separate subspecies, but Carlson found that the extent of geographic variation is not conducive to the recognition of subspecies. A few of these forms have images on the guide: widespread eastern US, formerly L. g. grallator : abdomen from T3 to apex largely reddish Arizona, formerly L. g. ochreata : abdomen from T2 to apex largely yellow, propodeum and hind coxae yellow Texas, Big Bend country near Presidio, formerly L. g. balteata : abdomen with distinct banding, wings with the apex conspicuously darker -no photo- New Mexico and Colorado, formerly L. g. xutha : hind coxa and T1 yellow, metapleuron and propodeum yellow with black margins, abdomen from T3 to apex yellow-marked -no photo- southern California, formerly L. g. lutea : metapleuron, propodeum, hind coxa, and T1 yellow, abdomen from T3 to apex yellow-marked
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Labeninae
- Genus
- Labena
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Mostly eastern USA, but extending into Arizona, southern California, and Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Diet: "Has been reared from insects infesting Pinus and Taxodium , but is more often reared from borers in various angiosperms (trees, bushes, and vines)."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Labena grallator. 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 Labena grallator (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Vox Sciurorum , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Labena grallator
What is Labena grallator?
Labena grallator is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Labena grallator?
Species quite variable in size (forewing length 7.3 to 18 mm) -- Bob Carlson
How do you identify Labena grallator?
Apical ~0.3 of antennae blackish, wings often conspicuously darkened. Color variable: eastern specimens primarily red, western specimens always conspicuously yellow-marked. Female (left) and male (right)
Where is Labena grallator found?
Range: Mostly eastern USA, but extending into Arizona, southern California, and Mexico
What does Labena grallator eat?
The diet of the Labena grallator includes Has been reared from insects infesting Pinus and Taxodium , but is more often reared from borers in various angiosperms (trees, bushes, and vines)..