Ophion obscuratus agg.
This record describes Ophion obscuratus agg. (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length: 15 to 22 mm. Ophion obscuratus is identified the pale stripes on the thorax and by pale corners of the 'stigma' (the dark mark on the leading edge of the forewing). Many species of Ophion look similar therefore field identification is difficult. When viewed dorsally they have a long narrow reddish brown body but from a side view, the thin curved waist broadens out to a deep abdominal region. We have been informed recently that there is some debate about Ophion obscuratus and it may need to be split into more than one species. We have therefore decided to treat it as an aggregate until things are resolved. The species that flies in winter might not have a name at present, although it is common and widespread. Other Ophion species - but none with the pale thoracic stripes. Absent in June and July, flies later in the year including through the winter. It is attracted to light so often found in moth traps. Females lay their eggs in the caterpillars of various noctuid moths. Because of this, they have no need of the long ovipositors which many of the other ichneumons need to reach deep-seated wood-boring larvae.
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
Seasonal Activity
Absent in June and July, flies later in the year including through the winter. It is attracted to light so often found in moth traps.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females lay their eggs in the caterpillars of various noctuid moths. Because of this, they have no need of the long ovipositors which many of the other ichneumons need to reach deep-seated wood-boring larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A fairly common species in Britain
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ophion obscuratus agg.. 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 obscuratus agg. (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophion obscuratus agg.
What is Ophion obscuratus agg.?
Ophion obscuratus agg. is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Ophion obscuratus agg.?
15 to 22 mm.
How do you identify Ophion obscuratus agg.?
is difficult. When viewed dorsally they have a long narrow reddish brown body but from a side view, the thin curved waist broadens out to a deep abdominal region. We have been informed recently that there is some debate about Ophion obscuratus and it may need to be split into more than one species. We have therefore decided to treat it as an aggregate until things are resolved. The species that flies in winter might not have a name at present, although it is common and widespread.
When is Ophion obscuratus agg. active?
Ophion obscuratus agg.: seasonal activity - Absent in June and July, flies later in the year including through the winter. It is attracted to light so often found in moth traps..
What is the life cycle of a Ophion obscuratus agg.?
Females lay their eggs in the caterpillars of various noctuid moths. Because of this, they have no need of the long ovipositors which many of the other ichneumons need to reach deep-seated wood-boring larvae.