Ormyrus nitidulus
This record describes Ormyrus nitidulus (species). Recorded family: Ormyridae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Female about 5 mm. It is steeply hunched; body all deep metallic blue & blue-green; gaster with bands of large puncturation; dark legs with pale knees and tarsi; black antennae. Male 2 to 2.5 mm, also steeply hunched; head green-gold; thorax & gaster deep metallic blue, purple & green; gaster with bands of prominent puncturation; dark legs with pale knees & tarsi; black antennae. The lifted up epipygium is characteristic. Areas where oak trees are present. Parasite of Andricus, Cynips, Biorhiza and other gall wasps (Cynipidae) associated with Oaks. Ormyrids are often recorded in association with plant galls, but are not gall-formers themselves: rather, they are parasites of the insect larvae that formed the galls (usually flies or other wasps). True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ormyridae
- Genus
- Ormyrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas where oak trees are present. Parasite of Andricus, Cynips, Biorhiza and other gall wasps (Cynipidae) associated with Oaks.
Seasonal Activity
Flying from April to November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Ormyrids are often recorded in association with plant galls, but are not gall-formers themselves: rather, they are parasites of the insect larvae that formed the galls (usually flies or other wasps).
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ormyrus nitidulus. 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 Ormyrus nitidulus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ormyrus nitidulus
What is Ormyrus nitidulus?
Ormyrus nitidulus is a species in the family Ormyridae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Ormyrus nitidulus found?
Habitat: Areas where oak trees are present. Parasite of Andricus, Cynips, Biorhiza and other gall wasps (Cynipidae) associated with Oaks.
When is Ormyrus nitidulus active?
Ormyrus nitidulus: seasonal activity - Flying from April to November..
What is the life cycle of a Ormyrus nitidulus?
Ormyrids are often recorded in association with plant galls, but are not gall-formers themselves: rather, they are parasites of the insect larvae that formed the galls (usually flies or other wasps).