Ophion idoneus
This record describes Ophion idoneus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typically recognized by the combination of small size and the lack of a ramellus in the forewing (or nearly so). Further, the flagellum has 51-57 flagellomeres, the anterior transverse carina of the propodeum is weakly convex, and the median longitudinal carinae of the propodeum is fused. The body is reddish-orange, lacking yellow on the mesoscutum. The legs are somewhat paler than the body. The most common and smallest Nearctic member of the scutellaris group.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ophioninae
- Genus
- Ophion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread (MA west to s. MB, south to n. VA., TN, & ne. KS )
Seasonal Activity
May-June
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Has been reared from Sunira bicolorago .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ophion idoneus. 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 Ophion idoneus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophion idoneus
What is Ophion idoneus?
Ophion idoneus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Ophion idoneus?
Forewing >14 mm (typically 8.4 - 11.4 mm )
How do you identify Ophion idoneus?
Typically recognized by the combination of small size and the lack of a ramellus in the forewing (or nearly so). Further, the flagellum has 51-57 flagellomeres, the anterior transverse carina of the propodeum is weakly convex, and the median longitudinal carinae of the propodeum is fused. The body is reddish-orange, lacking yellow on the mesoscutum. The legs are somewhat paler than the body.
Where is Ophion idoneus found?
Range: Widespread (MA west to s. MB, south to n. VA., TN, & ne. KS )
What does Ophion idoneus eat?
The diet of the Ophion idoneus includes Has been reared from Sunira bicolorago ..
When is Ophion idoneus active?
Ophion idoneus: seasonal activity - May-June.