Netelia inedita
This record describes Netelia inedita (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Netelia can be distinguished from the very similar Ophion species by the presence of an areolet in the wing (a tiny, roughly circular cell). Netelia inedita is a nocturnal ichneumon and is a pale orangey-brown colour including the legs and antennae. For more detail see Gavin Broad's key for the identification of British and Irish Ichneumonidae in 'Further Information' section below. Other Netelia species and some Ophion species. Requires detailed examination - see 'Further Information' section below for the relevant key. Sometimes drawn to moth traps where its larval food species may occur. True status is difficult to determine due to problems of idetifiction and paucity of records, but it would seem to be widespread in Britain. Gavin Broad's key for the identification of British and Irish Ichneumonidae No additional images available for this species.
Identification notes
of British and Irish Ichneumonidae
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.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sometimes drawn to moth traps where its larval food species may occur.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and early autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status is difficult to determine due to problems of idetifiction and paucity of records, but it would seem to be widespread in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Netelia inedita. 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 inedita (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Netelia inedita
What is Netelia inedita?
Netelia inedita is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Netelia inedita?
of British and Irish Ichneumonidae
Where is Netelia inedita found?
Habitat: Sometimes drawn to moth traps where its larval food species may occur.
When is Netelia inedita active?
Netelia inedita: seasonal activity - Summer and early autumn..