Stauropoctonus bombycivorus
This record describes Stauropoctonus bombycivorus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A striking, large ichneumon with exceptionally long, orange antennae and orange legs. The abdomen is black and orange. Various habitats in search of its host species. It is a parasitoid of the Lobster Moth. It could be also be attacking other suitably large hosts in Britain, we just don’t know. A local and infrequent species in Britain, it is thought to be scarcer than its host the Lobster Moth. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Stauropoctonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats in search of its host species.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a parasitoid of the Lobster Moth. It could be also be attacking other suitably large hosts in Britain, we just don’t know.
Additional species information
Recorded status
A local and infrequent species in Britain, it is thought to be scarcer than its host the Lobster Moth.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Stauropoctonus bombycivorus. 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 Stauropoctonus bombycivorus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stauropoctonus bombycivorus
What is Stauropoctonus bombycivorus?
Stauropoctonus bombycivorus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Stauropoctonus bombycivorus found?
Habitat: Various habitats in search of its host species.
When is Stauropoctonus bombycivorus active?
Stauropoctonus bombycivorus: seasonal activity - Summer and early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Stauropoctonus bombycivorus?
It is a parasitoid of the Lobster Moth. It could be also be attacking other suitably large hosts in Britain, we just don’t know.