Larra bicolor
This record describes Larra bicolor (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced intentionally in Florida from Bolivia in 1988 and again in 1989 for control of Neoscapteriscus mole crickets, which are also introduced from South America.
Wikipedia reference for Larra bicolor: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larra_bicolor.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Crabronidae (Square-headed Wasps, Sand Wasps, and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Crabroninae
- Tribe
- Larrini
- Genus
- Larra (Mole Cricket Hunter Wasps)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
(introduced) native to South America Texas to Georgia (BG images)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larva feed on Mole Crickets:
Life History
Females with prey:
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Larra bicolor. 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 Larra bicolor (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , ceiseman , metrioptera , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Larra bicolor
What is Larra bicolor?
Larra bicolor is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Larra bicolor?
♀ ~22mm ♂ ~15mm (BG images)
Where is Larra bicolor found?
Range: (introduced) native to South America Texas to Georgia (BG images)
What does Larra bicolor eat?
The diet of the Larra bicolor includes Larva feed on Mole Crickets:.
What is the life cycle of a Larra bicolor?
Females with prey: