Syrphoctonus tarsatorius
This record describes Syrphoctonus tarsatorius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Diplazontinae wasps are recognized from their three-toothed (tridentate) mandibles with a notched upper tooth, a box-like first abdominal segment). The upper tooth of the mandibles is wide and notched, making the mandibles look three-toothed. The clypeus is separated from the face by a distinct groove. The head is transverse (broader than long). The first segment of the metasoma (abdomen) is wide, rectangular, and box-like with spiracles placed near or in front of the middle. The ends of the hind tibia are dark. Associated with fly and hoverfly larvae. Adults lay their eggs into fly and hoverfly larvae. It appears to be widespread in Britain, but the exact status is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Syrphoctonus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Associated with fly and hoverfly larvae.
Seasonal Activity
Summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults lay their eggs into fly and hoverfly larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It appears to be widespread in Britain, but the exact status is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Syrphoctonus tarsatorius. 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 Syrphoctonus tarsatorius (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Syrphoctonus tarsatorius
What is Syrphoctonus tarsatorius?
Syrphoctonus tarsatorius is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Syrphoctonus tarsatorius found?
Habitat: Associated with fly and hoverfly larvae.
When is Syrphoctonus tarsatorius active?
Syrphoctonus tarsatorius: seasonal activity - Summer..
What is the life cycle of a Syrphoctonus tarsatorius?
Adults lay their eggs into fly and hoverfly larvae.