Macrocentrus bicolor
This record describes Macrocentrus bicolor (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Good quality photograph needed. The specimen should be retained until the identification has been confirmed. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Braconidae
- Genus
- Macrocentrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
To follow.
Seasonal Activity
To follow.
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 Macrocentrus 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrocentrus bicolor
What is Macrocentrus bicolor?
Macrocentrus bicolor is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Macrocentrus bicolor found?
Habitat: To follow.
When is Macrocentrus bicolor active?
Macrocentrus bicolor: seasonal activity - To follow..