Mesopolobus aequus
This record describes Mesopolobus aequus (species). Recorded family: Pteromalidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Length ~2mm. |
| Antennae | Antennae inserted low down, the lower edge of the toruli not or hardly above the level of the ventral edge of the eyes; antennal toruli to clypeal margin slightly shorter than it to middle ocellus; pronotum with collar slightly margined; marginal vein of forewing 2 to 2.25 times as long as the stigmal vein. |
| Body | Body green, antennae and legs mainly yellowish. Median area of propodeum shiny, at most weakly sculptured. Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and submit photos of key features. A predator in grasses, feeding on the eggs and larvae of other insects. Females pass the winter amongst the foliage of coniferous trees. No additional images available for this species. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Pteromalidae
- Genus
- Mesopolobus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A predator in grasses, feeding on the eggs and larvae of other insects. Females pass the winter amongst the foliage of coniferous trees.
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Egg parasitoid of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Mesopolobus aequus. 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 Mesopolobus aequus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesopolobus aequus
What is Mesopolobus aequus?
Mesopolobus aequus is a species in the family Pteromalidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Mesopolobus aequus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | ~2mm. |
| Antennae | Antennae inserted low down, the lower edge of the toruli not or hardly above the level of the ventral edge of the eyes; antennal toruli to clypeal margin slightly shorter than it to middle ocellus; pronotum with collar slightly margined; marginal vein of forewing 2 to 2.25 times as long as the stigmal vein. |
| Body | Body green, antennae and legs mainly yellowish. Median area of propodeum shiny, at most weakly sculptured. |
Where is Mesopolobus aequus found?
Habitat: A predator in grasses, feeding on the eggs and larvae of other insects. Females pass the winter amongst the foliage of coniferous trees.
When is Mesopolobus aequus active?
Mesopolobus aequus: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Mesopolobus aequus?
Egg parasitoid of