Simophion excarinatus
This record describes Simophion excarinatus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Clypeus concavely truncate, more than twice as broad as long. Posterior tangent of eyes bisecting posterior ocelli. Mostly dark brown but the orbits so broadly yellowish white as to make the head appear largely of that color
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ophioninae
- Genus
- Simophion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southwest USA
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Simophion excarinatus. 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 Simophion excarinatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Schneider; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum , behmrachel
Frequently Asked Questions About Simophion excarinatus
What is Simophion excarinatus?
Simophion excarinatus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Simophion excarinatus?
Clypeus concavely truncate, more than twice as broad as long. Posterior tangent of eyes bisecting posterior ocelli. Mostly dark brown but the orbits so broadly yellowish white as to make the head appear largely of that color
Where is Simophion excarinatus found?
Range: Southwest USA