Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp
Megastigmus spermotrophus
This record describes Megastigmus spermotrophus (species). Recorded family: Megastigmidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females are capable of parthenogenesis , which produces males.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Megastigmidae
- Genus
- Megastigmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. US (WA-CA to CO-NM) + NY ; introduced across Europe
Seasonal Activity
Adults emerge from April to June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) seeds
Life History
Female deposit eggs in the ovules of Douglas fir cones. This prevents the degeneration of unfertilized ovules and induces the accumulation of energy reserves, which larvae require for development. ( 3 )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Megastigmus spermotrophus. 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 Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov , Marci Hess , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp
What is Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp?
Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp (Megastigmus spermotrophus) is a species in the family Megastigmidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp?
Females 2.8-4.3 mm (+ ovipositor sheath 2.5-4.6mm); males 2.7-3.7mm
Where is Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp found?
Range: w. US (WA-CA to CO-NM) + NY ; introduced across Europe
What does Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp eat?
The diet of the Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp includes Host: Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) seeds.
When is Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp active?
Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp: seasonal activity - Adults emerge from April to June.
What is the life cycle of a Douglas Fir Seed Chalcidoid Wasp?
Female deposit eggs in the ovules of Douglas fir cones. This prevents the degeneration of unfertilized ovules and induces the accumulation of energy reserves, which larvae require for development. ( 3 )