Symmorphus gracilis
This record describes Symmorphus gracilis (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This black and yellow banded wasp is very similar to Symmorphus crassicornis and expert help is needed with identification. Adults seem to prefer damp places, often near streams and ditches and their flight paths are associated with patches of foliage in full sunlight. Adults of S. gracilis are most likely to be found during June and July, but also at the end of May and sometimes during August. It hunts for larvae of the chrysomelid beetle Chrysomela populi and, in addition, Cionus hortulanus, a weevil associated with figwort. Widespread in southern England, and north to Yorkshire.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Vespidae
- Genus
- Symmorphus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults seem to prefer damp places, often near streams and ditches and their flight paths are associated with patches of foliage in full sunlight.
Seasonal Activity
Adults of S. gracilis are most likely to be found during June and July, but also at the end of May and sometimes during August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It hunts for larvae of the chrysomelid beetle Chrysomela populi and, in addition, Cionus hortulanus, a weevil associated with figwort.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in southern England, and north to Yorkshire.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Symmorphus gracilis. 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 Symmorphus gracilis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Symmorphus gracilis
What is Symmorphus gracilis?
Symmorphus gracilis is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Symmorphus gracilis found?
Habitat: Adults seem to prefer damp places, often near streams and ditches and their flight paths are associated with patches of foliage in full sunlight.
When is Symmorphus gracilis active?
Symmorphus gracilis: seasonal activity - Adults of S. gracilis are most likely to be found during June and July, but also at the end of May and sometimes during August..
What is the life cycle of a Symmorphus gracilis?
It hunts for larvae of the chrysomelid beetle Chrysomela populi and, in addition, Cionus hortulanus, a weevil associated with figwort.