Lymeon orbus
This record describes Lymeon orbus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Mesoscutum with two longitudinal stripes; hind coxa usually tricoloured (anteriorly reddish with weak black marks in females; black marks more prominent in males). L. orbus can be separated from similar species of Baryceros in part by the broader white stripes on the propodeum and lack of additional white spots on the pronotum. ♀ ♂ Closely related to the Mexican species L. moratus , but female differs from the latter in the predominantly pale reddish hind coxa. Records of L. orbus in Nuevo Leon, Mexico (Porter 1977) refer instead to L. moratus .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Cryptinae
- Tribe
- Cryptini
- Genus
- Lymeon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (widespread) to ne Mexico [ map ]
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Has been associated with various microlepidoptera; recorded as a hyperparasitoid of other Ichneumonoidea.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Lymeon orbus (Say 1835)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Lymeon orbus. 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 Lymeon orbus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon , behmrachel
Frequently Asked Questions About Lymeon orbus
What is Lymeon orbus?
Lymeon orbus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Lymeon orbus?
Mesoscutum with two longitudinal stripes; hind coxa usually tricoloured (anteriorly reddish with weak black marks in females; black marks more prominent in males). L. orbus can be separated from similar species of Baryceros in part by the broader white stripes on the propodeum and lack of additional white spots on the pronotum. ♀ ♂
Where is Lymeon orbus found?
Range: e. US (widespread) to ne Mexico [ map ]
What does Lymeon orbus eat?
The diet of the Lymeon orbus includes Has been associated with various microlepidoptera; recorded as a hyperparasitoid of other Ichneumonoidea..