Pimpla rufipes
This record describes Pimpla rufipes (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length about 15 mm. A mainly black species, but with bright orange legs, the hind pair of legs being only slightly larger than the other pairs. The ovipositor of the female is quite thick and short and the 'waist' between the thorax and abdomen is also quite short. Pimpla rufipes can easily be mistaken for Apechthis compunctor being similar in shape and size (10 –15mm), although some Pimpla rufipes are very large. The key difference between the two is in the female ovipositor which in P. rufipes is straight and lacks the downward curved tip. For this reason, the males, which don’t have an ovipositor, are indistinguishable from photographs. There are other Pimpla species which can also be confused with P. rufipes which has no black rings on the tibia. Predates butterfly and moth larvae, laying an egg in each one. Adults can sometimes be seen visiting flowers. Quite common and widespread in England and Wales at least, but like many Ichneumonidae it is badly under recorded.
Wikipedia reference for Pimpla rufipes: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pimpla_rufipes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Pimpla
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Hedgerows and well vegetated areas.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly an autumn species.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Predates butterfly and moth larvae, laying an egg in each one. Adults can sometimes be seen visiting flowers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common and widespread in England and Wales at least, but like many
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pimpla rufipes. 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 Pimpla rufipes (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pimpla rufipes
What is Pimpla rufipes?
Pimpla rufipes is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Pimpla rufipes?
about 15 mm. A mainly black species, but with bright orange legs, the hind pair of legs being only slightly larger than the other pairs. The ovipositor of the female is quite thick and short and the 'waist' between the thorax and abdomen is also quite short.
Where is Pimpla rufipes found?
Habitat: Hedgerows and well vegetated areas.
When is Pimpla rufipes active?
Pimpla rufipes: seasonal activity - Mainly an autumn species..
What is the life cycle of a Pimpla rufipes?
Predates butterfly and moth larvae, laying an egg in each one. Adults can sometimes be seen visiting flowers.