Trissolcus cultratus
This record describes Trissolcus cultratus (species). Recorded family: Scelionidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
1-2mm black parasitic wasp. Frons with characteristic parallel arched ridges. Unless identified by a known expert, a photo (or photos) should be submitted with the record showing the key features and/or these should be described in the comments box, noting the key used. Egg parasitoid of Shieldbugs, including Red-legged Shield Bug (Pentatoma rufipes), Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys). Distribution spans the Palearctic region, including the UK. Talamas, E.J., Johnson, N.F., & Buffington, M. (2015) Key to Nearctic species of Trissolcus Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Scelionidae), natural enemies of native and invasive stink bugs (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 43, 45-110.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Scelionidae
- Genus
- Trissolcus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
All year.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Egg parasitoid of Shieldbugs, including Red-legged Shield Bug (Pentatoma rufipes), Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys). Distribution spans the Palearctic region, including the UK.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Probably common but rarely recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Trissolcus cultratus. 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 Trissolcus cultratus (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trissolcus cultratus
What is Trissolcus cultratus?
Trissolcus cultratus is a species in the family Scelionidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
When is Trissolcus cultratus active?
Trissolcus cultratus: seasonal activity - All year..
What is the life cycle of a Trissolcus cultratus?
Egg parasitoid of Shieldbugs, including Red-legged Shield Bug (Pentatoma rufipes), Green Shield Bug (Palomena prasina) and Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys). Distribution spans the Palearctic region, including the UK.