Protopelmus atrocaeruleus
This record describes Protopelmus atrocaeruleus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very large for an ichneumonid wasp. The female is entirely black with metallic blue reflections, while the male has conspicuous pale markings, particularly on the scutellum, legs, T1-T3. ♀ ♂
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ichneumoninae
- Tribe
- Ichneumonini
- Genus
- Protopelmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL, LA, ne. MD, TX; Mexico; south to Costa Rica
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval hosts: Hypercompe scribonia (giant leopard moth) & H. muzina
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Protopelmus atrocaeruleus (Cresson, 1868)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Protopelmus atrocaeruleus. 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 Protopelmus atrocaeruleus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Protopelmus atrocaeruleus
What is Protopelmus atrocaeruleus?
Protopelmus atrocaeruleus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Protopelmus atrocaeruleus?
22-26 mm ♀, 20-24 mm ♂
How do you identify Protopelmus atrocaeruleus?
Very large for an ichneumonid wasp. The female is entirely black with metallic blue reflections, while the male has conspicuous pale markings, particularly on the scutellum, legs, T1-T3. ♀ ♂
Where is Protopelmus atrocaeruleus found?
Range: FL, LA, ne. MD, TX; Mexico; south to Costa Rica
What does Protopelmus atrocaeruleus eat?
The diet of the Protopelmus atrocaeruleus includes Larval hosts: Hypercompe scribonia (giant leopard moth) & H. muzina.