Omphale connectens
This record describes Omphale connectens (species). Recorded family: Eulophidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length of body 1.0–2.4 mm. Forewing with row of admarginal setae with all, or most, from ventral marginal vein and with radial cell bare; face shiny with very weak sculpture and partly smooth, to completely smooth; forecoxa black or dark brown metallic, mid- and hind coxae yellowish brown; female flagellomeres 1–3 ventrally with two rows of setae, attached basally and subbasally; postmarginal vein 1.5–2× as long as stigmal vein. Unless identified by a recognized expert, explain how the specimen was identified and include photos of key features. Hansson, C. & Shevtsova, E. (2012) Revision of the European species of Omphale Haliday (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae). ZooKeys, (232), 1. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Eulophidae
- Genus
- Omphale
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Endoparasitoid, host unknown.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Unknown.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Omphale connectens. 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 Omphale connectens (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Omphale connectens
What is Omphale connectens?
Omphale connectens is a species in the family Eulophidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Omphale connectens?
of body 1.0–2.4 mm. Forewing with row of admarginal setae with all, or most, from ventral marginal vein and with radial cell bare; face shiny with very weak sculpture and partly smooth, to completely smooth; forecoxa black or dark brown metallic, mid- and hind coxae yellowish brown; female flagellomeres 1–3 ventrally with two rows of setae, attached basally and subbasally; postmarginal vein 1.5–2× as long as stigmal vein.
What is the life cycle of a Omphale connectens?
Endoparasitoid, host unknown.