Microterys seyon
This record describes Microterys seyon (species). Recorded family: Encyrtidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The tiny (~2mm) encyrtid wasp Microterys seyon is very distinctive in appearance, being orange-brown in general appearance with strongly patterned wings and with antennae that are black and white at the tips. Lateral view of the antennae: F4-6 white on top but darker underneath (c.f. M. tricoloricornis F4-6 white all round). Despite its striking appearance there are similar species and great care is needed with identification. Microterys nietneri and Microterys seyon are similar in appearance with strongly patterned wings and black and white antennae. The middle tibia of Microterys seyon is covered in silky hairs which are not present in M. nietneri . Microterys tricoloricornis is slightly larger (nearly twice the size, around 4mm) and darker than the other two species. 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. Introduced as a biocontrol agent against soft-scale greenhouse pests and seems to have escaped in Britain to seek soft-scale insects on various vegetation in the wild. Most likely to be swept from shrubs and bushes in the summer months. Can also be found overwintering in evergreens such as Ivy. First British records of this species are from around 2019 - 2020. Possibly introduced accidentally with these greenhouse pests from places like the Netherlands, although it may also have found its own way here.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Encyrtidae
- Genus
- Microterys
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Introduced as a biocontrol agent against soft-scale greenhouse pests and seems to have escaped in Britain to seek soft-scale insects on various vegetation in the wild.
Seasonal Activity
Most likely to be swept from shrubs and bushes in the summer months. Can also be found overwintering in evergreens such as Ivy.
Additional species information
Recorded status
First British records of this species are from around 2019 - 2020. Possibly introduced accidentally with these greenhouse pests from places like the Netherlands, although it may also have found its own way here.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Microterys seyon. 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 Microterys seyon (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Microterys seyon
What is Microterys seyon?
Microterys seyon is a species in the family Encyrtidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Microterys seyon found?
Habitat: Introduced as a biocontrol agent against soft-scale greenhouse pests and seems to have escaped in Britain to seek soft-scale insects on various vegetation in the wild.
When is Microterys seyon active?
Microterys seyon: seasonal activity - Most likely to be swept from shrubs and bushes in the summer months. Can also be found overwintering in evergreens such as Ivy..