Metapelma spectabilis
This record describes Metapelma spectabilis (species). Recorded family: Metapelmatidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females of the two Metapelma species can be separated by the length of the ovipositor. The ovipositor of M. spectabile is roughly the length of the gaster whereas that of M. schwarzi is a fraction of the length of the gaster (~1/3). Care is necessary with identification as coloration is not useful in separating the species. A relatively common and widespread parasitoid of various wood-boring beetles. [comment by Gary Gibson]
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Metapelmatidae
- Subfamily
- Metapelmatinae
- Genus
- Metapelma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
primarily eastern (CT, NY, & NJ, south to FL, west to KS & TX)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: Agrilus angelicus (in coast live oak), Chrysobothris femorata (in fruit trees and other hardwoods), Cylas formicarius (in sweet potato pest, bayhops), Magdalis olyra , & M. pandura (in cedar elm).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Westwood
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Metapelma spectabilis. 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 Metapelma spectabilis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Joshua Stuart Rose , KenW , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Metapelma spectabilis
What is Metapelma spectabilis?
Metapelma spectabilis is a species in the family Metapelmatidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Metapelma spectabilis?
Females of the two Metapelma species can be separated by the length of the ovipositor. The ovipositor of M. spectabile is roughly the length of the gaster whereas that of M. schwarzi is a fraction of the length of the gaster (~1/3). Care is necessary with identification as coloration is not useful in separating the species.
Where is Metapelma spectabilis found?
Range: primarily eastern (CT, NY, & NJ, south to FL, west to KS & TX)
What does Metapelma spectabilis eat?
The diet of the Metapelma spectabilis includes Larval hosts: Agrilus angelicus (in coast live oak), Chrysobothris femorata (in fruit trees and other hardwoods), Cylas formicarius (in sweet potato pest, bayhops), Magdalis olyra , & M. pandura (in cedar elm)..