Rhyssella humida
This record describes Rhyssella humida (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identified as Rhyssinae by the ridged mesoscutum and lack of anterolateral grooves on T2 of the abdomen and as Rhyssella by the smaller size, lack of a median tooth on the clypeus, basal fusing of the first sternite and tergite, general black-white-orange coloration, and lesser to no white markings on the first four segments of the abdomen. It is further separated from R. nitida by the white posterior orbits (creating two loops on the face rather than simple vertical lines), extensively orange sternum, and prominent, white lateral spots on the tergites. ♀ ♂
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Rhyssinae
- Genus
- Rhyssella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitoids of Xiphydria woodwasps
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Rhyssella humida. 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 Rhyssella humida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Matt Bertone , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhyssella humida
What is Rhyssella humida?
Rhyssella humida is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Rhyssella humida?
Identified as Rhyssinae by the ridged mesoscutum and lack of anterolateral grooves on T2 of the abdomen and as Rhyssella by the smaller size, lack of a median tooth on the clypeus, basal fusing of the first sternite and tergite, general black-white-orange coloration, and lesser to no white markings on the first four segments of the abdomen. It is further separated from R. nitida by the white posterior orbits (creating two loops on the face rather than simple vertical lines), extensively orange sternum, and prominent, white lateral spots on the tergites. ♀ ♂
What does Rhyssella humida eat?
The diet of the Rhyssella humida includes Parasitoids of Xiphydria woodwasps.