Meraporus graminicola
This record describes Meraporus graminicola (species). Recorded family: Pteromalidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Length 1-2mm. |
| Wings | Wings either fully developed or rudimentary. |
| Head | Head and thorax varying from green through bronze-green to bronze or coppery bronze. Median area of propodeum 1-5 to 2-1 times as broad as long. Gaster varying from circular to oval. Male head with sinuose sulci, variable in pattern. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Parasitoid of Gall Midges, especially Mayetiola spp. on Gramineae. Graham, MWR de V. (1969) The pteromalidae of north-western Europe (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Bull. Br. Mus. nat. Hist. (Ent.) Suppl. 16. No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Pteromalidae
- Genus
- Meraporus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Summer-autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoid of Gall Midges, especially Mayetiola spp. on Gramineae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Meraporus graminicola. 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 Meraporus graminicola (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Meraporus graminicola
What is Meraporus graminicola?
Meraporus graminicola is a species in the family Pteromalidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Meraporus graminicola?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | 1-2mm. |
| Wings | Wings either fully developed or rudimentary. |
| Head | Head and thorax varying from green through bronze-green to bronze or coppery bronze. Median area of propodeum 1-5 to 2-1 times as broad as long. Gaster varying from circular to oval. Male head with sinuose sulci, variable in pattern. |
When is Meraporus graminicola active?
Meraporus graminicola: seasonal activity - Summer-autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Meraporus graminicola?
Parasitoid of Gall Midges, especially Mayetiola spp. on Gramineae.