Rhynchophion flammipennis
This record describes Rhynchophion flammipennis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body black, wings strongly orange with black at the apex and base, antennae variably yellow to black. Probably a mimic of certain Pepsini (tarantula-hawk wasps and allies)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ophioninae
- Genus
- Rhynchophion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval host: Manduca sexta . Also reared from M. lefeburii from Mexico and southward.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Rhynchophion flammipennis. 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 Rhynchophion flammipennis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhynchophion flammipennis
What is Rhynchophion flammipennis?
Rhynchophion flammipennis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Rhynchophion flammipennis?
Body black, wings strongly orange with black at the apex and base, antennae variably yellow to black.
What does Rhynchophion flammipennis eat?
The diet of the Rhynchophion flammipennis includes Larval host: Manduca sexta . Also reared from M. lefeburii from Mexico and southward..