Ophion slaviceki
This record describes Ophion slaviceki (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ophion slaviceki is a large orange species (forewing 14‒17 mm); head with large ocelli usually touching, or almost touching, inner margin of compound eye; temple in female slightly shorter; male usually with temples more or less yellow. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. September and October, later flying than other Ophion species. Under recorded n Britain, has been frequently misidentified as O. luteus.
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.
Seasonal Activity
September and October, later flying than other Ophion species.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Under recorded n Britain, has been frequently misidentified as O. luteus.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ophion slaviceki. 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 slaviceki (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ophion slaviceki
What is Ophion slaviceki?
Ophion slaviceki is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Ophion slaviceki found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Ophion slaviceki active?
Ophion slaviceki: seasonal activity - September and October, later flying than other Ophion species..