Odontocolon mellipes
This record describes Odontocolon mellipes (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Odontocolon mellipes (Odontocolon mellipes) is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, commonly known as ichneumonid wasps, belonging to the order Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies). It is classified within the subfamily Xoridinae, superfamily Ichneumonoidea. This species belongs to the genus Odontocolon. Found in Deciduous woods. Active during Late summer and early fall.
Identification notes
Townes Species Description Here
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Xoridinae
- Genus
- Odontocolon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deciduous woods
Geographic Range
e US (CT-FL to ON-MN-KS)
Seasonal Activity
Late summer and early fall
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host: Neandra brunnea
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Odontocolon mellipes (Say 1829)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Odontocolon mellipes. 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 Odontocolon mellipes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by v belov , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontocolon mellipes
What is Odontocolon mellipes?
Odontocolon mellipes is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Odontocolon mellipes?
Townes Species Description Here
Where is Odontocolon mellipes found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deciduous woods |
| Range | e US (CT-FL to ON-MN-KS) |
What does Odontocolon mellipes eat?
The diet of the Odontocolon mellipes includes Host: Neandra brunnea.
When is Odontocolon mellipes active?
Odontocolon mellipes: seasonal activity - Late summer and early fall.