Therion petiolatum
This record describes Therion petiolatum (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A small species. Coloration: Head black with orbits marked with red and yellow, thorax black with restricted red spots on the mesopleuron, wings dark brown, costal vein black, pterostigma dark, coxae black, trochanters red, hind femur mostly dark, , first 3 abdominal segments reddish.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Anomaloninae
- Tribe
- Gravenhorstiini
- Genus
- Therion
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
ME, NY, MI, WI, SD ( 3 )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Therion petiolatum. 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 Therion petiolatum (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Therion petiolatum
What is Therion petiolatum?
Therion petiolatum is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Therion petiolatum?
Small, barely over 13 mm. Hind tibia 4mm, hind femur and trochanter 4.65 mm.
How do you identify Therion petiolatum?
A small species. Coloration: Head black with orbits marked with red and yellow, thorax black with restricted red spots on the mesopleuron, wings dark brown, costal vein black, pterostigma dark, coxae black, trochanters red, hind femur mostly dark, , first 3 abdominal segments reddish.
Where is Therion petiolatum found?
Range: ME, NY, MI, WI, SD ( 3 )