Allaporus pulchellus
This record describes Allaporus pulchellus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Typical aporine: Long pronotum with a straight rear margin, incrassate front femora, two submarginal cells in anterior wing, the second receiving two recurrent veins. -Can be recognized by small size, red markings on abdomen (some from California are entirely black), and wing venation features mentioned above.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pompilinae
- Tribe
- Aporini
- Genus
- Allaporus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in woods.
Geographic Range
Transcontinental. Small and easily overlooked so new local records are likely with collecting effort.
Seasonal Activity
Found mainly June through September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Spider prey unknown. Not known to visit flowers.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Allaporus pulchellus. 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 Allaporus pulchellus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nick Fensler
Frequently Asked Questions About Allaporus pulchellus
What is Allaporus pulchellus?
Allaporus pulchellus is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Allaporus pulchellus?
Small; males 2.5-3.5 mm, females 4.5-6 mm.
How do you identify Allaporus pulchellus?
Typical aporine: Long pronotum with a straight rear margin, incrassate front femora, two submarginal cells in anterior wing, the second receiving two recurrent veins. -Can be recognized by small size, red markings on abdomen (some from California are entirely black), and wing venation features mentioned above.
Where is Allaporus pulchellus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Found in woods. |
| Range | Transcontinental. Small and easily overlooked so new local records are likely with collecting effort. |
What does Allaporus pulchellus eat?
The diet of the Allaporus pulchellus includes Spider prey unknown. Not known to visit flowers..
When is Allaporus pulchellus active?
Allaporus pulchellus: seasonal activity - Found mainly June through September..