Abia aenea
This record describes Abia aenea (species). Recorded family: Cimbicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from other species in our area by the presence of an inner tooth on the tarsal claw, which is about as long as the outer tooth. First found in NY, I believe, and the first records I have for MD and VA are around 1965; spread quite a bit east and south since. --Dave Smith
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Cimbicidae (Cimbicid Sawflies)
- Genus
- Abia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eastern US (NY south to MD, west to OH); introduced from Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on honeysuckle ( Lonicera ) foliage
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Abia aenea (Klug, 1820)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Abia aenea. 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 Abia aenea (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Abia aenea
What is Abia aenea?
Abia aenea is a species in the family Cimbicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Abia aenea?
Distinguished from other species in our area by the presence of an inner tooth on the tarsal claw, which is about as long as the outer tooth.
Where is Abia aenea found?
Range: eastern US (NY south to MD, west to OH); introduced from Europe
What does Abia aenea eat?
The diet of the Abia aenea includes Larvae feed on honeysuckle ( Lonicera ) foliage.