Thyreodon rivinae
This record describes Thyreodon rivinae (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The salient diagnostic features are its enlarged ocelli (which almost touch the compound eyes laterally), yellow flagellum, and black fore wing with a large hyaline blotch in the discocubital and 2nd discoidal cells. (Porter, 1980) Type Info: collected during July 1979 from undergrowth of Rivina humilis (Pigeonberry) in Celtis woods at Bentsen Rio Grande Valley State Park near Mission, TX.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ophioninae
- Genus
- Thyreodon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s. TX (rare) to C. Amer. - Map (Porter, 1980)
Seasonal Activity
July (Type)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thyreodon rivinae Porter, 1980
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Thyreodon rivinae. 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 Thyreodon rivinae (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyreodon rivinae
What is Thyreodon rivinae?
Thyreodon rivinae is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Thyreodon rivinae?
The salient diagnostic features are its enlarged ocelli (which almost touch the compound eyes laterally), yellow flagellum, and black fore wing with a large hyaline blotch in the discocubital and 2nd discoidal cells. (Porter, 1980)
Where is Thyreodon rivinae found?
Range: s. TX (rare) to C. Amer. - Map (Porter, 1980)
When is Thyreodon rivinae active?
Thyreodon rivinae: seasonal activity - July (Type).