Ammophila wrightii
This record describes Ammophila wrightii (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
An ant-mimicking species identified by its elongated pronotum, two or three submarginal cells, and entirely clear wings.
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 half of the US to northern Mexico
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ammophila wrightii. 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 wrightii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ammophila wrightii
What is Ammophila wrightii?
Ammophila wrightii is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Ammophila wrightii?
Body length 8.0-15.5 mm ♀, 7.0-14.0 mm ♂
How do you identify Ammophila wrightii?
An ant-mimicking species identified by its elongated pronotum, two or three submarginal cells, and entirely clear wings.
Where is Ammophila wrightii found?
Range: Western half of the US to northern Mexico