Torymus bedeguaris
This record describes Torymus bedeguaris (species). Recorded family: Torymidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar in appearance to other members of the genus. The female Torymus bedeguaris wasp measures 2.2 to 5.3mm, on average of 4mm excluding female ovipositor which is longer than the body ; male slightly smaller at 1.8 to 4mm. Metallic green thorax and bronzy red or green abdomen. Postmarginal vein typically twice as long as the stigmal vein, all legs, including coxae, yellow. Male: Hind tibia with two spurs. Scutellum wholly reticulate with some setae in the posterior part. Legs with norma femora Head with frons not projecting. Hind coxa with setae dorsally in basal half. Monophagous parasitoid in galls of Diplolepis eglanteriae, fructuum, mayri, rosae, spinosissimae on Rosaceae. The ovipositor is long so that when the female Torymus bedeguaris lands on the gall, she can push it through the gall to deposit her eggs inside. When these hatch her larvae will parisitise the larvae of the cynipid wasps. Thought to be frequent and widespread in Britain, but badly under recorded. Graham MWR de Vere & Gijswijt MJ Revision of the european species of Torymus Dalman (s.lat.) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae). Zoologische Verhandelingen, Leiden 317: 1-202. Askew, R.R., Plantard, O., Gomez, J.F., Nieves, M.H., & Nieves-Aldrey, J.L. Catalogue of parasitoids and inquilines in galls of Aylacini, Diplolepidini and Pediaspidini (Hym., Cynipidae) in the West Palaearctic. Zootaxa, 1301, 1-60. No additional images available for this species.
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
Habitat
Monophagous parasitoid in galls of Diplolepis eglanteriae, fructuum, mayri, rosae, spinosissimae on Rosaceae.
Seasonal Activity
Late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The ovipositor is long so that when the female Torymus bedeguaris lands on the gall, she can push it through the gall to deposit her eggs inside. When these hatch her larvae will parisitise the larvae of the cynipid wasps.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thought to be frequent and widespread in Britain, but badly under recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Torymus bedeguaris. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Torymus bedeguaris
What is Torymus bedeguaris?
Torymus bedeguaris is a species in the family Torymidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Torymus bedeguaris found?
Habitat: Monophagous parasitoid in galls of Diplolepis eglanteriae, fructuum, mayri, rosae, spinosissimae on Rosaceae.
When is Torymus bedeguaris active?
Torymus bedeguaris: seasonal activity - Late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Torymus bedeguaris?
The ovipositor is long so that when the female Torymus bedeguaris lands on the gall, she can push it through the gall to deposit her eggs inside. When these hatch her larvae will parisitise the larvae of the cynipid wasps.