Phytodietus polyzonias
This record describes Phytodietus polyzonias (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A medium sized (Body length 10-12mm) mainly black bodied ichneumon wasp with orange legs. The margin of each abdominal tergite is delineated in white and there are cream markings to the scutellum and the inner ocular orbits. The hind legs are orange with black and cream bands at the coxa/femur and femur/tibia joints and considerable darkening to the tarsus. As with many Ichneumons the males have paler markings including the face and ventral surface of the body. The female’s ovipositor is sturdy and approximately the length of the hind tibia. The dorsal appearance is fairly similar to Pimplinae. The colour pattern on the apex of hind femur is distinctive of Phytodietus. Other species in the genus Phytodietus . Identification advice can be sought from British Ichneumonoidea . Parks, gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and woodland. Where the host species (Leaf-roller moths and Pyralid moths) occur. This is a diurnal Ichneumon which is an ectoparasite of several Lepidoptera families in particular Tortricidae and Pyralidae . Annual life cycle consists of 3 stages: 1) larva on host caterpillar 2) pupa 3) Adult. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Phytodietus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Parks, gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and woodland. Where the host species (Leaf-roller moths and Pyralid moths) occur.
Seasonal Activity
Late Spring through to Autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This is a diurnal Ichneumon which is an ectoparasite of several Lepidoptera families in particular
Additional species information
Recorded status
Uncommon.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Phytodietus polyzonias. 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 Phytodietus polyzonias (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Phytodietus polyzonias
What is Phytodietus polyzonias?
Phytodietus polyzonias is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Phytodietus polyzonias found?
Habitat: Parks, gardens, hedgerows, waste ground and woodland. Where the host species (Leaf-roller moths and Pyralid moths) occur.
When is Phytodietus polyzonias active?
Phytodietus polyzonias: seasonal activity - Late Spring through to Autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Phytodietus polyzonias?
This is a diurnal Ichneumon which is an ectoparasite of several Lepidoptera families in particular