Pseudorhyssa nigricornis
This record describes Pseudorhyssa nigricornis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is the only species in our area with a ridged mesoscutum not within subfamily Rhyssinae . This species can be separated by the larger areolet, fore wing with vein cu-a joining at the bifurcation of M and Cu, complete occipital carina, broad anterolateral groove on the second abdominal segment, and the lack of a developed horn on the apical segment of the abdomen in females.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pimplinae
- Tribe
- Delomeristini
- Genus
- Pseudorhyssa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental: QC south to NC, west to AB & CA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are parasitoids of horntails including Sirex noctilio .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudorhyssa nigricornis (Ratzeburg, 1852)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pseudorhyssa nigricornis. 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 Pseudorhyssa nigricornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudorhyssa nigricornis
What is Pseudorhyssa nigricornis?
Pseudorhyssa nigricornis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pseudorhyssa nigricornis?
This is the only species in our area with a ridged mesoscutum not within subfamily Rhyssinae . This species can be separated by the larger areolet, fore wing with vein cu-a joining at the bifurcation of M and Cu, complete occipital carina, broad anterolateral groove on the second abdominal segment, and the lack of a developed horn on the apical segment of the abdomen in females.
Where is Pseudorhyssa nigricornis found?
Range: transcontinental: QC south to NC, west to AB & CA
What does Pseudorhyssa nigricornis eat?
The diet of the Pseudorhyssa nigricornis includes Larvae are parasitoids of horntails including Sirex noctilio ..