Spilomicrus exul
This record describes Spilomicrus exul (species). Recorded family: Diapriidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Spilomicrus exul is unique among the Nearctic members of Spilomicrus because of the deeply maculate wings, strongly projecting occipital flange, distinct epomia,and unusually long petiole.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Diaprioidea
- Family
- Diapriidae
- Subfamily
- Diapriinae
- Tribe
- Spilomicrini
- Genus
- Spilomicrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern US south into Mexico Distribution records: USA: FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, TX, VA MEX: Veracruz, Chiapas
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host(s) unknown , presumably Dipteran larvae.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Spilomicrus exul. 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 Spilomicrus exul (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Spilomicrus exul
What is Spilomicrus exul?
Spilomicrus exul is a species in the family Diapriidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Spilomicrus exul?
About 4 mm
How do you identify Spilomicrus exul?
Spilomicrus exul is unique among the Nearctic members of Spilomicrus because of the deeply maculate wings, strongly projecting occipital flange, distinct epomia,and unusually long petiole.
Where is Spilomicrus exul found?
Range: Eastern US south into Mexico Distribution records: USA: FL, GA, MD, NC, SC, TX, VA MEX: Veracruz, Chiapas
What does Spilomicrus exul eat?
The diet of the Spilomicrus exul includes Host(s) unknown , presumably Dipteran larvae..