Tetramesa fulvicollis
This record describes Tetramesa fulvicollis (species). Recorded family: Eurytomidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, photos are 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. Tetramesa species are generally phytophagous wasps, often acting as gall-inducers on grasses, with adults feeding on nectar. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Eurytomidae
- Genus
- Tetramesa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Tetramesa
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Tetramesa fulvicollis. 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 Tetramesa fulvicollis (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetramesa fulvicollis
What is Tetramesa fulvicollis?
Tetramesa fulvicollis is a species in the family Eurytomidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Tetramesa fulvicollis?
~3mm.
What is the life cycle of a Tetramesa fulvicollis?
Tetramesa