Ammophila pictipennis
This record describes Ammophila pictipennis (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very conspicuous eastern species with brightly-pigmented orange wings and no silvery markings on the thorax whatsoever. In the west, see also A. placida , which is separated by the structure of the male genitalia. Those of A. pictipennis lack a spine on the penis valve head. The two species overlap from about 96° to 104°W, where they are otherwise impossible to separate.
Wikipedia reference for Ammophila pictipennis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammophila_pictipennis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Sphecidae (Thread-waisted Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Ammophilinae
- Genus
- Ammophila
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Seen at flowers in fields.
Geographic Range
Eastern United States to 104°W, south into Mexico.
Seasonal Activity
June-October (Michigan), May-October (North Carolina)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adult takes nectar.
Life History
Parasitoid of caterpillars. Prey include Noctuid larvae, mostly cutworms. Prey are placed in a shallow nest that has one cell.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species name from Latin pictus (painted, ornamental), and Greek pennis, (feather, by extension wing). Refers to the pattern on the wings. (Based on Internet searches.)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ammophila pictipennis. 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 Ammophila pictipennis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by KenW , PaleoJon , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Ammophila pictipennis
What is Ammophila pictipennis?
Ammophila pictipennis is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Ammophila pictipennis?
A very conspicuous eastern species with brightly-pigmented orange wings and no silvery markings on the thorax whatsoever. In the west, see also A. placida , which is separated by the structure of the male genitalia. Those of A. pictipennis lack a spine on the penis valve head. The two species overlap from about 96° to 104°W, where they are otherwise impossible to separate.
Where is Ammophila pictipennis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Seen at flowers in fields. |
| Range | Eastern United States to 104°W, south into Mexico. |
What does Ammophila pictipennis eat?
The diet of the Ammophila pictipennis includes Adult takes nectar..
When is Ammophila pictipennis active?
Ammophila pictipennis: seasonal activity - June-October (Michigan), May-October (North Carolina).
What is the life cycle of a Ammophila pictipennis?
Parasitoid of caterpillars. Prey include Noctuid larvae, mostly cutworms. Prey are placed in a shallow nest that has one cell.