Tromatobia lineatoria
This record describes Tromatobia lineatoria (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 7 to 10 mm. A black bodied wasp with yellowy-brown legs. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Adults are sometimes seen nectaring on umbelifers or along hedgerows, with some records also from specimens found in greenhouses. Adults can usually be observed between May and November. This species lays her eggs in spider egg sacks which are then predated by the larvae. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but it appears to be quite widespread in England.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Tromatobia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults are sometimes seen nectaring on umbelifers or along hedgerows, with some records also from specimens found in greenhouses.
Seasonal Activity
Adults can usually be observed between May and November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species lays her eggs in spider egg sacks which are then predated by the larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records, but it appears to be quite widespread in England.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Tromatobia lineatoria. 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 Tromatobia lineatoria (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Tromatobia lineatoria
What is Tromatobia lineatoria?
Tromatobia lineatoria is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Tromatobia lineatoria?
7 to 10 mm. A black bodied wasp with yellowy-brown legs.
Where is Tromatobia lineatoria found?
Habitat: Adults are sometimes seen nectaring on umbelifers or along hedgerows, with some records also from specimens found in greenhouses.
When is Tromatobia lineatoria active?
Tromatobia lineatoria: seasonal activity - Adults can usually be observed between May and November..
What is the life cycle of a Tromatobia lineatoria?
This species lays her eggs in spider egg sacks which are then predated by the larvae.