Trogus vulpinus
This record describes Trogus vulpinus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
T. vulpinus is an eastern, red species. Most images here were previously lumped under Trogus pennator . T. vulpinus is identified by the following combination: high, conical scutellum (generally); supra-antennal area with two developed denticles); and the fifth tergite of the female with a prominent ridge separating the dorsal and lateral surfaces. Both T. pennator and T. vulpinus share having long setae on tergites 2–6. The images included here are noted for a prominent and conical scutellum. Those that have not been evaluated under the microscope may require further evaluation as these two species are not always reliably separated in photography. Perhaps a mimic of well-armed spider wasps, such as Tachypompilus ferrugineus :
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ichneumoninae
- Tribe
- Ichneumonini
- Genus
- Trogus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eastern US and extreme southeastern Canada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known larval hosts include: Eurytides marcellus , Papilio brevicauda , P. canadensis , P. glaucus , P. polyxenes , and P. troilus . It is worth noting that the above species at the exception of P. brevicauda , P. canadensis , and P. glaucus are also parasitized by T. pennator .
Life History
Trogus vulpinus is a parasitoid of swallowtail butterflies ( Papilionidae ), ovipositing in the caterpillars.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Trogus vulpinus. 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 Trogus vulpinus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Trogus vulpinus
What is Trogus vulpinus?
Trogus vulpinus is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Trogus vulpinus?
T. vulpinus is an eastern, red species. Most images here were previously lumped under Trogus pennator . T. vulpinus is identified by the following combination: high, conical scutellum (generally); supra-antennal area with two developed denticles); and the fifth tergite of the female with a prominent ridge separating the dorsal and lateral surfaces. Both T. pennator and T. vulpinus share having long setae on tergites 2–6. The images included here are noted for a prominent and conical scutellum. Those that have not been evaluated under the microscope may require further evaluation as these two species are not always reliably separated in photography.
Where is Trogus vulpinus found?
Range: eastern US and extreme southeastern Canada
What does Trogus vulpinus eat?
The diet of the Trogus vulpinus includes Known larval hosts include: Eurytides marcellus , Papilio brevicauda , P. canadensis , P. glaucus , P. polyxenes , and P. troilus . It is worth noting that the above species at the exception of P. brevicauda , P. canadensis , and P. glaucus are also parasitized by T. pennator ..
What is the life cycle of a Trogus vulpinus?
Trogus vulpinus is a parasitoid of swallowtail butterflies ( Papilionidae ), ovipositing in the caterpillars.