Netelia cristata
This record describes Netelia cristata (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Variable in size, wing length usually c.14mm but occasionally as small as 8mm. Propodeum with lateral sections of transverse ridges, if these are lacking then with at least a slightly elevated ridge, propodeum medially with faint transverse striations; scutellum with lateral ridges usually distinct to near apex of scutellum; 1st brachial cell usually with only very narrow glabrous strip along wing fold but sometimes with distal glabrous patch or extensively glabrous on lower part. 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. Parasitoid with a large host range encompassing larvae of several families of macrolepidoptera. Broad, G.R. (2016) Keys for the identification of British and Irish nocturnal Ichneumonidae. Available at: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources-rx/files/keys-for-nocturnal-workshop-reduced-109651.pdf No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Netelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoid with a large host range encompassing larvae of several families of macrolepidoptera.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Netelia cristata. 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 Netelia cristata (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Netelia cristata
What is Netelia cristata?
Netelia cristata is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Netelia cristata?
usually c.14mm but occasionally as small as 8mm. Propodeum with lateral sections of transverse ridges, if these are lacking then with at least a slightly elevated ridge, propodeum medially with faint transverse striations; scutellum with lateral ridges usually distinct to near apex of scutellum; 1st brachial cell usually with only very narrow glabrous strip along wing fold but sometimes with distal glabrous patch or extensively glabrous on lower part.
What is the life cycle of a Netelia cristata?
Parasitoid with a large host range encompassing larvae of several families of macrolepidoptera.