Ooencyrtus kuvanae
This record describes Ooencyrtus kuvanae (species). Recorded family: Encyrtidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
First introduced from Japan in 1909. Later, repeatedly introduced in the 1970s and 1980s to combat the invasive moth, Lymantria dispar . In 2017 it has been seen parasitizing eggs of another invader, the recently introduced Lycorma delicatula , the Spotted Lanternfly, ( Journal of Insect Science ).
Wikipedia reference for Ooencyrtus kuvanae: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ooencyrtus_kuvanae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Encyrtidae (Encyrtid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Encyrtinae
- Genus
- Ooencyrtus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Eggs of Lymantria dispar h in this country.
Life History
Female overwinters in leaf litter and becomes active in April. Oviposits on spongy moth egg masses. The generation that emerges oviposits on second generation of moth egg masses in July-August. A third generation emerges in September to November. There may be a fourth generation in warmer areas.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ooencyrtus kuvanae. 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 Ooencyrtus kuvanae (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by metrioptera , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ooencyrtus kuvanae
What is Ooencyrtus kuvanae?
Ooencyrtus kuvanae is a species in the family Encyrtidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
What does Ooencyrtus kuvanae eat?
The diet of the Ooencyrtus kuvanae includes Eggs of Lymantria dispar h in this country..
What is the life cycle of a Ooencyrtus kuvanae?
Female overwinters in leaf litter and becomes active in April. Oviposits on spongy moth egg masses. The generation that emerges oviposits on second generation of moth egg masses in July-August. A third generation emerges in September to November. There may be a fourth generation in warmer areas.