Rhyssa alaskensis
This record describes Rhyssa alaskensis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
the only Rhyssa with the posterior orbits (area directly behind the eyes) entirely black, vs markings there ―see figs. from Townes (1960) . Original description
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Rhyssinae
- Genus
- Rhyssa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coniferous forests
Geographic Range
AK―NM
Seasonal Activity
Late spring to late summer
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rhyssa alaskensis Ashmead 1902
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Rhyssa alaskensis. 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 Rhyssa alaskensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhyssa alaskensis
What is Rhyssa alaskensis?
Rhyssa alaskensis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Rhyssa alaskensis?
the only Rhyssa with the posterior orbits (area directly behind the eyes) entirely black, vs markings there ―see figs. from Townes (1960) . Original description
Where is Rhyssa alaskensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coniferous forests |
| Range | AK―NM |
When is Rhyssa alaskensis active?
Rhyssa alaskensis: seasonal activity - Late spring to late summer.