Netelia virgata
This record describes Netelia virgata (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium sized largely orange-brown Ichneumon. The legs, antennae and wing stigmas are all pale orangey-brown in colour. Sometimes drawn to moth traps where its larval food species may occur. Fairly frequent in Britain, though not well recorded. 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.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sometimes drawn to moth traps where its larval food species may occur.
Seasonal Activity
August and September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in Britain, though not well recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Netelia virgata. 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 virgata (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Netelia virgata
What is Netelia virgata?
Netelia virgata is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Netelia virgata found?
Habitat: Sometimes drawn to moth traps where its larval food species may occur.
When is Netelia virgata active?
Netelia virgata: seasonal activity - August and September..