Phobocampe confusa
This record describes Phobocampe confusa (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
- online help
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Phobocampe
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Areas of Nettles where Peacock Butterfly caterpillars are found.
Seasonal Activity
The larval cocoons can be seen in late June and July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
See Description
Additional species information
Recorded status
UK status not known.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Phobocampe confusa. 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 Phobocampe confusa (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phobocampe confusa
How do you identify Phobocampe confusa?
- online help
Where is Phobocampe confusa found?
Habitat: Areas of Nettles where Peacock Butterfly caterpillars are found.
When is Phobocampe confusa active?
Phobocampe confusa: seasonal activity - The larval cocoons can be seen in late June and July..
What is the life cycle of a Phobocampe confusa?
See Description