Mesopolobus
This record describes Mesopolobus (genus). Recorded family: Pteromalidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Asymmetric mandibles, right mandible has 4 acute teeth, left mandible has only 3 teeth. The antennae are inserted relatively low on the face (near the lower margin of the eyes). The anterior margin of the clypeus is shallowly notched in the centre, without a large single median tooth. At least 34 UK species, very difficult to identify. Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and submit photos of key features. Mesopolobus species have been reared from hosts spanning five different insect orders: Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera. Fertilized adult females find shelter during the winter months inside dense, evergreen conifer foliage. They emerge early in the spring, synchronized with the lifecycle of host populations. 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 (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Pteromalidae (Pteromalid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pteromalinae
- Tribe
- Pteromalini
- Genus
- Mesopolobus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Mesopolobus species have been reared from hosts spanning five different insect orders: Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Mesopolobus. 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 (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesopolobus
What is Mesopolobus?
Mesopolobus is a genus in the family Pteromalidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
When is Mesopolobus active?
Mesopolobus: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Mesopolobus?
Mesopolobus species have been reared from hosts spanning five different insect orders: Hymenoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hemiptera.