Pseudomalus auratus
This record describes Pseudomalus auratus (species). Recorded family: Chrysididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of several very handsome species within this family, with a ruby red body and blue green thorax and head, the whole having a rather metallic lustre. There are several very similar species and great care is needed when identifying these wasps. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Found in the open habitats of its stem- and wood-nesting hosts. Usually associated with bramble, but also apple, elder, loganberry, oak, peach, raspberry, rose and willow. Usually June to August, but also May and September and rarely April and October. Probably a parasitoid on small stem and wood-nesting Sphecid wasps. Widespread from Cornwall to Kent and north to Westmorland and North Yorkshire. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Pseudomalus auratus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudomalus_auratus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chrysidoidea
- Family
- Chrysididae (Cuckoo Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Chrysidinae
- Tribe
- Elampini
- Genus
- Pseudomalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in the open habitats of its stem- and wood-nesting hosts. Usually associated with bramble, but also apple, elder, loganberry, oak, peach, raspberry, rose and willow.
Seasonal Activity
Usually June to August, but also May and September and rarely April and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Probably a parasitoid on small stem and wood-nesting Sphecid wasps.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread from Cornwall to Kent and north to Westmorland and North Yorkshire.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pseudomalus auratus. 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 Pseudomalus auratus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudomalus auratus
What is Pseudomalus auratus?
Pseudomalus auratus is a species in the family Chrysididae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Pseudomalus auratus found?
Habitat: Found in the open habitats of its stem- and wood-nesting hosts. Usually associated with bramble, but also apple, elder, loganberry, oak, peach, raspberry, rose and willow.
When is Pseudomalus auratus active?
Pseudomalus auratus: seasonal activity - Usually June to August, but also May and September and rarely April and October..
What is the life cycle of a Pseudomalus auratus?
Probably a parasitoid on small stem and wood-nesting Sphecid wasps.