Orussus thoracicus
This record describes Orussus thoracicus (species). Recorded family: Orussidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
These insects are generally all black, but there is a rare red form.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Orussidae (Parasitic Wood Wasps)
- Genus
- Orussus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with: Pinus cortorta, Abies magnifica, Alnus sp., Betula sp., Acer macrophyllum, and Populus fremontii.
Geographic Range
Washington to Colorado to Arizona and California.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Probably a parasite of Buprestid beetles. One larvae was found in a gallery with Polycesta californica .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orussus thoracicus Ashmead 1898
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Orussus thoracicus. 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 Orussus thoracicus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Orussus thoracicus
What is Orussus thoracicus?
Orussus thoracicus is a species in the family Orussidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Orussus thoracicus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | length 5-11 mm |
| Male | Length 4-8 mm |
Where is Orussus thoracicus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Associated with: Pinus cortorta, Abies magnifica, Alnus sp., Betula sp., Acer macrophyllum, and Populus fremontii. |
| Range | Washington to Colorado to Arizona and California. |
What does Orussus thoracicus eat?
The diet of the Orussus thoracicus includes Probably a parasite of Buprestid beetles. One larvae was found in a gallery with Polycesta californica ..