Phasgonophora sulcata
This record describes Phasgonophora sulcata (species). Recorded family: Chalcididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Det. B. Zuparko, 2012
Wikipedia reference for Phasgonophora sulcata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phasgonophora_sulcata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Chalcididae (Chalcidid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Phasgonophorinae
- Genus
- Phasgonophora
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US to CA + NB
Seasonal Activity
May-July (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitoid of Agrilus spp., including emerald ash borer, and Chrysobothris spp. (Buprestidae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phasgonophora sulcata Westwood 1832
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Phasgonophora sulcata. 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 Phasgonophora sulcata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Phasgonophora sulcata
How do you identify Phasgonophora sulcata?
Det. B. Zuparko, 2012
Where is Phasgonophora sulcata found?
Range: e US to CA + NB
What does Phasgonophora sulcata eat?
The diet of the Phasgonophora sulcata includes Parasitoid of Agrilus spp., including emerald ash borer, and Chrysobothris spp. (Buprestidae).
When is Phasgonophora sulcata active?
Phasgonophora sulcata: seasonal activity - May-July (BG data).