Vulgichneumon saturatorius
This record describes Vulgichneumon saturatorius (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It has a white spot at the base of the thorax and another at the tip of the abdomen but is otherwise mainly black with red legs. The antennae have a broad white band at about halfway. Woodland and hedgerows or nectaring on Hogweed. Larvae feed on the larvae of the moth Autographa gamma and possibly other species. National status and distribution is not known, but seems to be poorly recorded.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Ichneumonidae
- Genus
- Vulgichneumon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Woodland and hedgerows or nectaring on Hogweed.
Seasonal Activity
April to September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on the larvae of the moth
Additional species information
Recorded status
National status and distribution is not known, but seems to be poorly recorded.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Vulgichneumon saturatorius. 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 Vulgichneumon saturatorius (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vulgichneumon saturatorius
What is Vulgichneumon saturatorius?
Vulgichneumon saturatorius is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Vulgichneumon saturatorius found?
Habitat: Woodland and hedgerows or nectaring on Hogweed.
When is Vulgichneumon saturatorius active?
Vulgichneumon saturatorius: seasonal activity - April to September..
What is the life cycle of a Vulgichneumon saturatorius?
Larvae feed on the larvae of the moth