Opheltes glaucopterus
This record describes Opheltes glaucopterus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a large species. The legs, antennae and most of the abdomen are orange, but the last sections of the abdomen are black as are the sides of the thorax and an area above the waist. The wings are slightly orange shaded. Crepuscular or nocturnal parasitoid of Cimbex larvae. Widespread and quite common, but badly under recorded in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Opheltes glaucopterus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opheltes_glaucopterus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ctenopelmatinae
- Tribe
- Perilissini
- Genus
- Opheltes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly late spring to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Crepuscular or nocturnal parasitoid of
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and quite common, but badly under recorded in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Opheltes glaucopterus. 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 Opheltes glaucopterus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Opheltes glaucopterus
What is Opheltes glaucopterus?
Opheltes glaucopterus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Opheltes glaucopterus found?
Habitat: Various.
When is Opheltes glaucopterus active?
Opheltes glaucopterus: seasonal activity - Mainly late spring to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Opheltes glaucopterus?
Crepuscular or nocturnal parasitoid of