Xorides albopictus
This record describes Xorides albopictus (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Ichneumonoidea
- Family
- Ichneumonidae (Ichneumonid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Xoridinae
- Genus
- Xorides
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
This relatively abundant species ranges throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada, where it frequents hardwood forests in which it may be found on the trunks and branches of recently dead trees
Seasonal Activity
In Florida it is active in winter and spring, but farther north it is most often collected in June and July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: It is known to parasitize cerambycid larvae of the genus Saperda (Townes1960), including S. discoidea in Carya(Juglandaceae)and S. tridentata in Ulmus (Ulmaceae)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xorides albopictus. 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 Xorides albopictus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by PaleoJon , behmrachel
Frequently Asked Questions About Xorides albopictus
Where is Xorides albopictus found?
Range: This relatively abundant species ranges throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada, where it frequents hardwood forests in which it may be found on the trunks and branches of recently dead trees
What does Xorides albopictus eat?
The diet of the Xorides albopictus includes It is known to parasitize cerambycid larvae of the genus Saperda (Townes1960), including S. discoidea in Carya(Juglandaceae)and S. tridentata in Ulmus (Ulmaceae).
When is Xorides albopictus active?
Xorides albopictus: seasonal activity - In Florida it is active in winter and spring, but farther north it is most often collected in June and July.