Torymus affinis
This record describes Torymus affinis (species). Recorded family: Torymidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 2-3.5mm, ovipositor sheaths much longer than the body. Dorsal surface of hind coxa with at least a few setae in basal half, unsculptured shiny part at the back end of the scutellum, vertex with a fine suture connecting each lateral ocellus with the adjacent eye. Must be identified by a recognized expert or keyed out using: de Vere, M.W.R. & Gijswijt, M.J. Revision of the European species of Torymus Dalman (Hymenoptera: Torymidae). Zoologische Verhandelingen, 317, 1-202; with photos showing key features. Parasitoid of spring generation Biorhiza pallida on Quercus (Oak). No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Torymidae
- Genus
- Torymus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Parasitoid of spring generation Biorhiza pallida on Quercus (Oak).
Additional species information
Recorded status
Unknown
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Torymus affinis. 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 Torymus affinis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Torymus affinis
What is Torymus affinis?
Torymus affinis is a species in the family Torymidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Torymus affinis?
2-3.5mm, ovipositor sheaths much longer than the body. Dorsal surface of hind coxa with at least a few setae in basal half, unsculptured shiny part at the back end of the scutellum, vertex with a fine suture connecting each lateral ocellus with the adjacent eye.
Where is Torymus affinis found?
Habitat: Parasitoid of spring generation Biorhiza pallida on Quercus (Oak).