Ophion minutus
This record describes Ophion minutus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Quite similar in appearance to some other Ophion species, but smaller (around 10 mm). Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Various habitats and sometimes attracted to light. It appears to be fairly widespread in Britain but lack of records means that true status is difficult to determine.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Ophion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats and sometimes attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
Peak time is May to September.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It appears to be fairly widespread in Britain but lack of records means that true status is difficult to determine.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ophion minutus. 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 minutus (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophion minutus
What is Ophion minutus?
Ophion minutus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Ophion minutus found?
Habitat: Various habitats and sometimes attracted to light.
When is Ophion minutus active?
Ophion minutus: seasonal activity - Peak time is May to September..