Temelucha sinuata
This record describes Temelucha sinuata (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Noted particularly for its large size, brilliant coloration, and sinuate ovipositor
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Cremastinae
- Genus
- Temelucha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA, AZ, TX, AR, MS, FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae parasitize Cactobrosis strigalis (Barnes & McDunnough, 1912) and Rumatha glaucatella (Hulst, 1888) ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Temelucha sinuata (Cushman, 1926)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Temelucha sinuata. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Temelucha sinuata
What is Temelucha sinuata?
Temelucha sinuata is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Temelucha sinuata?
13.0 - 14.4 mm
How do you identify Temelucha sinuata?
Noted particularly for its large size, brilliant coloration, and sinuate ovipositor
Where is Temelucha sinuata found?
Range: CA, AZ, TX, AR, MS, FL
What does Temelucha sinuata eat?
The diet of the Temelucha sinuata includes Larvae parasitize Cactobrosis strigalis (Barnes & McDunnough, 1912) and Rumatha glaucatella (Hulst, 1888) ( 3 ).