Setanta compta
This record describes Setanta compta (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females have white bands on the antennae and often narrower yellow bands on the abdomen while males have entirely black antennae and often wider yellow bands on the abdomen. ( 3 ) The subspecies have historically been identified as follows: ( 3 ) 1. S. c. compta : female with yellow lines on the mesoscutum; mesopleuron black with 1-2 yellow marks; abdominal bands wider. Male with hind femora predominantly orange; prosternum, pronotum, mesopleuron, and propodeum extensively yellow. Range: primarily northern. 2. S. c. marginata : female with mesoscutum, sterna, and pleura entirely black, abdominal bands more narrowed. Male with hind femora predominantly black; prosternum, pronotum, mesopleuron, and propodeum extensively black, occasionally with only small yellow marks. Range widespread but primarily southern.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ichneumoninae
- Tribe
- Ichneumonini
- Genus
- Setanta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
widespread eastern US
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Setanta compta. 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 Setanta compta (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Setanta compta
What is Setanta compta?
Setanta compta is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Setanta compta?
Females have white bands on the antennae and often narrower yellow bands on the abdomen while males have entirely black antennae and often wider yellow bands on the abdomen. ( 3 ) The subspecies have historically been identified as follows: ( 3 ) 1. S. c. compta : female with yellow lines on the mesoscutum; mesopleuron black with 1-2 yellow marks; abdominal bands wider. Male with hind femora predominantly orange; prosternum, pronotum, mesopleuron, and propodeum extensively yellow. Range: primarily northern. 2. S. c. marginata : female with mesoscutum, sterna, and pleura entirely black, abdominal bands more narrowed. Male with hind femora predominantly black; prosternum, pronotum, mesopleuron, and propodeum extensively black, occasionally with only small yellow marks. Range widespread but primarily southern.
Where is Setanta compta found?
Range: widespread eastern US