Sycophila biguttata
This record describes Sycophila biguttata (species). Recorded family: Eurytomidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2-3.5mm. Forewing with a distinctive long bent cloud; stigmal vein shorter than marginal vein. Non-metallic, dark head & thorax with or without pale markings; dark brown gaster; dark & paler legs; dark antennae; abdomen petiolate; five tarsal segments. Female: antennae with one ring & five funicular segments. Male: antennae with one ring & four funicular segments. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Parasitoid of Oak galls including Andricus aries, A. corruptrix, A. grossulariae, A. kollari, A. lignicola, A. lucidus, A. quercuscalicis, Aphelonyx cerricola. Robin Williams (Oak Galls in Britain): https://www.nhm.ac.uk/resources/research-curation/projects/chalcidoids/pdf_X/Willia2010.pdf
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Eurytomidae
- Genus
- Sycophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Flying from February to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Parasitoid of Oak galls including Andricus aries, A. corruptrix, A. grossulariae, A. kollari, A. lignicola, A. lucidus, A. quercuscalicis, Aphelonyx cerricola.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Sycophila biguttata. 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 Sycophila biguttata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Sycophila biguttata
What is Sycophila biguttata?
Sycophila biguttata is a species in the family Eurytomidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Sycophila biguttata?
2-3.5mm. Forewing with a distinctive long bent cloud; stigmal vein shorter than marginal vein. Non-metallic, dark head & thorax with or without pale markings; dark brown gaster; dark & paler legs; dark antennae; abdomen petiolate; five tarsal segments.
When is Sycophila biguttata active?
Sycophila biguttata: seasonal activity - Flying from February to October..
What is the life cycle of a Sycophila biguttata?
Parasitoid of Oak galls including Andricus aries, A. corruptrix, A. grossulariae, A. kollari, A. lignicola, A. lucidus, A. quercuscalicis, Aphelonyx cerricola.