Zele deceptor
This record describes Zele deceptor (species). Recorded family: Braconidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The head and abdomen of this insect are orangey red and the wing has a yellowish stigma. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. A parasitic species with a rather wide host range centred on the larvae of medium-sized geometrid moths. Badly under recorded, but believed to be fairly common throughout much of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Braconidae
- Genus
- Zele
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Various habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Late summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A parasitic species with a rather wide host range centred on the larvae of medium-sized geometrid moths.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Badly under recorded, but believed to be fairly common throughout much of Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Zele deceptor. 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 Zele deceptor (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zele deceptor
What is Zele deceptor?
Zele deceptor is a species in the family Braconidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Zele deceptor found?
Habitat: Various habitats.
When is Zele deceptor active?
Zele deceptor: seasonal activity - Late summer..
What is the life cycle of a Zele deceptor?
A parasitic species with a rather wide host range centred on the larvae of medium-sized geometrid moths.