Ammophila placida
This record describes Ammophila placida (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very conspicuous western species with brightly-pigmented orange wings and no silvery markings on the thorax whatsoever. In the east, see also A. pictipennis , which is separated by the structure of the male genitalia. Those of A. placita have a spine on the penis valve head. The two species overlap from about 96° to 104°W, where they are otherwise impossible to separate.
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
Geographic Range
Western United States to 96°W, south into western Mexico
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ammophila placida. 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 placida (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ammophila placida
What is Ammophila placida?
Ammophila placida is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Ammophila placida?
A very conspicuous western species with brightly-pigmented orange wings and no silvery markings on the thorax whatsoever. In the east, see also A. pictipennis , which is separated by the structure of the male genitalia. Those of A. placita have 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 placida found?
Range: Western United States to 96°W, south into western Mexico