Mesostenus gracilis
This record describes Mesostenus gracilis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Postscutellum black rather than white, hind tarsi close to the color of the color of the tibia rather than lighter. Males have entirely black antennae. ♀ ♂
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Cryptinae
- Tribe
- Cryptini
- Genus
- Mesostenus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NS south to GA, west to s. BC and CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879), Cadra figulilella (Gregson, 1871), Ephestia elutella (Hübner, 1796), Euzophera semifuneralis (Walker, 1863), Homoeosoma electella (Hulst, 1887), Laetilia coccidivora (Comstock, 1879), Ozamia clarefacta Dyar, 1919, Cydia caryana (Fitch, 1856). , Plodia interpunctella (see comment by Carlson) "I recorded a number of stored product phycitines as hosts of this species in the 1979 catalog of Hymenoptera of America north of Mexcico, but I believe it has since been reared from Plodia interpunctella as well. Searches of the web show that it has at least been associated with Plodia interpunctella ." - Bob Carlson
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Mesostenus gracilis. 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 Mesostenus gracilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesostenus gracilis
What is Mesostenus gracilis?
Mesostenus gracilis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Mesostenus gracilis?
Postscutellum black rather than white, hind tarsi close to the color of the color of the tibia rather than lighter. Males have entirely black antennae. ♀ ♂
Where is Mesostenus gracilis found?
Range: NS south to GA, west to s. BC and CA
What does Mesostenus gracilis eat?
The diet of the Mesostenus gracilis includes Larval hosts: Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller, 1879), Cadra figulilella (Gregson, 1871), Ephestia elutella (Hübner, 1796), Euzophera semifuneralis (Walker, 1863), Homoeosoma electella (Hulst, 1887), Laetilia coccidivora (Comstock, 1879), Ozamia clarefacta Dyar, 1919, Cydia caryana (Fitch, 1856). , Plodia interpunctella (see comment by Carlson) I recorded a number of stored product phycitines as hosts of this species in the 1979 catalog of Hymenoptera of America north of Mexcico, but I believe it has since been reared from Plodia interpunctella as well. Searches of the web show that it has at least been associated with Plodia interpunctella . - Bob Carlson.