Meteorus
This record describes Meteorus (genus). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Highly variable in color, even within a single species. Petiolate abdomen - the first segment of the metasoma is distinctly stalked, very narrow at the base and flares out to be at least 2.5 times wider at the end. Unlike most other braconids, they possess a distinct four-sided (rhomboid or square) second submarginal cell in their forewings. The rear of the thorax features distinct longitudinal furrows, and each abdominal segment typically has a single transverse row of stiff hairs (setae) near its rear margin. They possess a pair of small pit-like depressions (dorsopes) on the upper side of the first abdominal tergite. Females always have a prominent ovipositor protruding from the end of the abdomen. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Most species of Meteorus are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, but some species attack larval Coleoptera. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Braconidae (Braconid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Meteorinae
- Genus
- Meteorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Most species of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Meteorus. 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.
