Listrodromus nycthemerus
This record describes Listrodromus nycthemerus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. A specialist parasitoid of the Holly Blue butterfly. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Listrodromus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring and summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A specialist parasitoid of the Holly Blue butterfly.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Listrodromus nycthemerus. 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 Listrodromus nycthemerus (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Listrodromus nycthemerus
What is Listrodromus nycthemerus?
Listrodromus nycthemerus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Listrodromus nycthemerus found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Listrodromus nycthemerus active?
Listrodromus nycthemerus: seasonal activity - Late spring and summer..
What is the life cycle of a Listrodromus nycthemerus?
A specialist parasitoid of the Holly Blue butterfly.