Torymus atriplicis
This record describes Torymus atriplicis (species). Recorded family: Torymidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Torymus atriplicis (Torymus atriplicis) is a species in the family Torymidae, belonging to the order Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies). It is classified within the subfamily Toryminae, superfamily Chalcidoidea. This species belongs to the genus Torymus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Torymidae
- Subfamily
- Toryminae
- Genus
- Torymus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known from Arizona & California (type locality is Los Angeles Co.)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The host is a common cecidomyiid gall former on Atriplex , Asphondylia neomexicana .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Torymus atriplicis. 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 atriplicis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Torymus atriplicis
What is Torymus atriplicis?
Torymus atriplicis is a species in the family Torymidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Torymus atriplicis found?
Range: Known from Arizona & California (type locality is Los Angeles Co.)
What does Torymus atriplicis eat?
The diet of the Torymus atriplicis includes The host is a common cecidomyiid gall former on Atriplex , Asphondylia neomexicana ..