Tetramesa
This record describes Tetramesa (genus). Recorded family: Eurytomidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small (2-5mm) dark wasps. ~35 UK species 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 identifying characters. Tetramesa species feed on plant tissues. They are host-specific and primarily associated with grasses, where they typically act as gall inducers or stem borers. Adults feed on nectar. No additional images available for this species.
Identification notes
- online help
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Eurytomidae
- Subfamily
- Eurytominae
- Genus
- Tetramesa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Tetramesa species feed on plant tissues. They are host-specific and primarily associated with grasses, where they typically act as gall inducers or stem borers. Adults feed on nectar.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Tetramesa. 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 (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tetramesa
What is Tetramesa?
Tetramesa is a genus in the family Eurytomidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Tetramesa?
- online help
What is the life cycle of a Tetramesa?
Tetramesa species feed on plant tissues. They are host-specific and primarily associated with grasses, where they typically act as gall inducers or stem borers. Adults feed on nectar.