Mesostenus sicarius
This record describes Mesostenus sicarius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar in appearance to M. thoracicus , sharing a white scutellum. Most noticeably differs from both M. thoracicus and M. gracilis by the white markings on and adjacent to the mesopleuron (always one on at the upper part of the prepectal carina and usually one just above the sternaulus -- see diagram of thorax morphology ) and the longer ovipositor tip (nodus to apex 11.5x depth at nodus versus 4.5-7.0x). Ground color is also fulvoferruginous instead of fulvous. Fore and mid coxae have more defined white spots.
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
Habitat
Apparently associated with prickly pear cacti ( Opuntia ).
Geographic Range
Canada: s. AB; United States: AZ, CA, CO, MT, NC, TX; also occurs in Mexico
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Mesostenus sicarius. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesostenus sicarius
What is Mesostenus sicarius?
Mesostenus sicarius is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Mesostenus sicarius?
Very similar in appearance to M. thoracicus , sharing a white scutellum. Most noticeably differs from both M. thoracicus and M. gracilis by the white markings on and adjacent to the mesopleuron (always one on at the upper part of the prepectal carina and usually one just above the sternaulus -- see diagram of thorax morphology ) and the longer ovipositor tip (nodus to apex 11.5x depth at nodus versus 4.5-7.0x). Ground color is also fulvoferruginous instead of fulvous. Fore and mid coxae have more defined white spots.
Where is Mesostenus sicarius found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Apparently associated with prickly pear cacti ( Opuntia ). |
| Range | Canada: s. AB; United States: AZ, CA, CO, MT, NC, TX; also occurs in Mexico |