Ophion scutellaris
This record describes Ophion scutellaris (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 14 to 20 mm. An orange brown Ichneumon, similar to others in the group such as O . obscuratus but with a very thin hind femur and lacking the thoracic yellow markings. The scattered records for this species are mostly from England.
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
Hedgerows and well vegetated areas.
Seasonal Activity
March to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults and larvae feed on caterpillars.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The scattered records for this species are mostly from England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ophion scutellaris. 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 scutellaris (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophion scutellaris
What is Ophion scutellaris?
Ophion scutellaris is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Ophion scutellaris?
14 to 20 mm. An orange brown Ichneumon, similar to others in the group such as
Where is Ophion scutellaris found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and well vegetated areas.
When is Ophion scutellaris active?
Ophion scutellaris: seasonal activity - March to September..
What is the life cycle of a Ophion scutellaris?
Adults and larvae feed on caterpillars.