Trichopria crassifemur
This record describes Trichopria crassifemur (species). Recorded family: Diapriidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length ~2mm. The antennae arise from a prominent raised ledge or shelf high on the face above the clypeus, a defining structural feature of Diapriidae. Extremely reduced wing venation lacking a closed cell, featuring a short marginal vein near the basal front edge of the forewing. The wing margins are heavily fringed with fine hairs (cilia). As indicated by the specific name crassifemur (thick thigh), the legs feature distinctly swollen or incrassate femora compared to related species in the genus. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Koinobiont pupal endoparasitoids of Diptera. G.E.J. Nixon (1957) Diapriidae (Diapriinae). Hymenoptera, Proctotrupoidea. RES Handbooks for the Identification of British Insects Vol 8, Part 3dii. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Diapriidae
- Genus
- Trichopria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Koinobiont pupal endoparasitoids of Diptera.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Unknown.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Trichopria crassifemur. 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 Trichopria crassifemur (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trichopria crassifemur
What is Trichopria crassifemur?
Trichopria crassifemur is a species in the family Diapriidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Trichopria crassifemur?
~2mm. The antennae arise from a prominent raised ledge or shelf high on the face above the clypeus, a defining structural feature of Diapriidae. Extremely reduced wing venation lacking a closed cell, featuring a short marginal vein near the basal front edge of the forewing. The wing margins are heavily fringed with fine hairs (cilia). As indicated by the specific name crassifemur (thick thigh), the legs feature distinctly swollen or incrassate femora compared to related species in the genus.
What is the life cycle of a Trichopria crassifemur?
Koinobiont pupal endoparasitoids of Diptera.