Rhynchophion woodi
This record describes Rhynchophion woodi (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body reddish-brown, wings orange with black at the apex and base, antennae yellowish-brown Suggested to potentially be a mimic of Polistes canadensis :
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.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
described from reared material in Costa rica
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reared from several species of Manduca : M. barnesi , M. corallina , M. muscosa , & M. rustica
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhynchophion woodi Gauld & Janzen, 2004
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Rhynchophion woodi. 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 woodi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhynchophion woodi
What is Rhynchophion woodi?
Rhynchophion woodi is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Rhynchophion woodi?
Body reddish-brown, wings orange with black at the apex and base, antennae yellowish-brown
Where is Rhynchophion woodi found?
Range: described from reared material in Costa rica
What does Rhynchophion woodi eat?
The diet of the Rhynchophion woodi includes Reared from several species of Manduca : M. barnesi , M. corallina , M. muscosa , & M. rustica.