Xorides humeralis
This record describes Xorides humeralis (species). Recorded family: Ichneumonidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Temple area with extensive striae, central lobe of mesoscutum with a broad median longitudinal groove, and the second trochanter of the foreleg with a small pre-apical spine. (Porter, 2005) The latter character is unique to this species (placing it in the monotypic subgenus Exomus )
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
Across most of continental U.S., Canada and into Mexico.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Parasitoids of wood boring beetles. Hosts according to Porter (2005) are: buprestid larvae of the genus Dicerca in Diospyros (Ebenaceae) as well as from the cerambycids Neoclytus in Ilex (Aquifoliaceae), and Phymatodes in Quercus (Fagaceae)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xorides humeralis. 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 humeralis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matt Bertone
Frequently Asked Questions About Xorides humeralis
What is Xorides humeralis?
Xorides humeralis is a species in the family Ichneumonidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Xorides humeralis?
Temple area with extensive striae, central lobe of mesoscutum with a broad median longitudinal groove, and the second trochanter of the foreleg with a small pre-apical spine. (Porter, 2005) The latter character is unique to this species (placing it in the monotypic subgenus Exomus )
Where is Xorides humeralis found?
Range: Across most of continental U.S., Canada and into Mexico.
What does Xorides humeralis eat?
The diet of the Xorides humeralis includes Parasitoids of wood boring beetles. Hosts according to Porter (2005) are: buprestid larvae of the genus Dicerca in Diospyros (Ebenaceae) as well as from the cerambycids Neoclytus in Ilex (Aquifoliaceae), and Phymatodes in Quercus (Fagaceae).