Leucospis affinis
This record describes Leucospis affinis (species). Recorded family: Leucospidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hind femur less stout and with a broad basal tooth and at least 7 smaller teeth; ovipositor very long and reaching the mesosoma. L. a. affinis - body with yellow markings (widespread) Californian variant - mesoscutum often with a pair of stripes, abdomen more extensively yellow (CA) L. a. floridana - body with red markings (s. FL) One of the largest chalcidoids in the US, and the only one exhibiting wing-folding as part of its mimetic morphology.
Wikipedia reference for Leucospis affinis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucospis_affinis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Leucospidae
- Genus
- Leucospis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Transcontinental
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: various Megachilidae ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leucospis affinis Say, 1824
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Leucospis affinis. 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 Leucospis affinis
What is Leucospis affinis?
Leucospis affinis is a species in the family Leucospidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Leucospis affinis?
Hind femur less stout and with a broad basal tooth and at least 7 smaller teeth; ovipositor very long and reaching the mesosoma. L. a. affinis - body with yellow markings (widespread) Californian variant - mesoscutum often with a pair of stripes, abdomen more extensively yellow (CA) L. a. floridana - body with red markings (s. FL)
Where is Leucospis affinis found?
Range: Transcontinental
What does Leucospis affinis eat?
The diet of the Leucospis affinis includes Hosts: various Megachilidae ( 3 ).