Polyblastus wahlbergi
This record describes Polyblastus wahlbergi (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Forewing length about 7 mm. The thorax and body of this species is dark blackish, but the legs show quite a lot of yellow. The wings have a dark stigma. Various habitats including hedgerows and well wooded areas. May to October and may be attracted to light. Polyblastus wahlbergi is an ectoparasitoid of sawfly larvae. A few genera of the subfamily Tryphoninae habitually carry an egg at the base of the ovipositor but Polyblastus is the only genus that carries a whole bunch of eggs. Each egg has a stalk, which is secured within the ovipositor, so when the host is parasitized the stalk passes down the ovipositor and is anchored in the cuticle of the host. The eggs, when they are carried externally, are ready to hatch very quickly, which seems to be an adaptation to enable the parasitoid larva to begin feeding quickly and avoid being sloughed off when the host starts its final moult. The species is relatively common and seems to come to light fairly regularly. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Polyblastus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats including hedgerows and well wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
May to October and may be attracted to light.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is relatively common and seems to come to light fairly regularly.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Polyblastus wahlbergi. 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 Polyblastus wahlbergi (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Polyblastus wahlbergi
What is Polyblastus wahlbergi?
Polyblastus wahlbergi is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Polyblastus wahlbergi?
about 7 mm. The thorax and body of this species is dark blackish, but the legs show quite a lot of yellow. The wings have a dark stigma.
Where is Polyblastus wahlbergi found?
Habitat: Various habitats including hedgerows and well wooded areas.
When is Polyblastus wahlbergi active?
Polyblastus wahlbergi: seasonal activity - May to October and may be attracted to light..