Rhyssa lineolata
This record describes Rhyssa lineolata (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Rhyssa lineolata is one of only two rhyssine species in our area with white bands on the antennae. It additionally has a white dorsobasal spot on the hind coxae (the ground color is often orange but may be darker). The metapleuron has a more extensive, square-to-rounded white spot. The other, R. crevieri , lacks a white dorsobasal spot on the hind coxae (the ground color is dark). The spot on the metapleuron is smaller with a narrow extension along the upper margin.
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.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Rhyssa lineolata. 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 lineolata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by PaleoJon