Ampulex ferruginea
This record describes Ampulex ferruginea (species). Recorded family: Ampulicidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Readily distinguished from all other Ampulicidae in our area by the rusty-red head and thorax (these regions always black in the other 3 species).
Wikipedia reference for Ampulex ferruginea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampulex_ferruginea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Ampulicidae (Cockroach Wasps)
- Genus
- Ampulex
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
FL & TX
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ampulex ferruginea Bradley 1934
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ampulex ferruginea. 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 Ampulex ferruginea (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Ampulex ferruginea
What is Ampulex ferruginea?
Ampulex ferruginea is a species in the family Ampulicidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Ampulex ferruginea?
Readily distinguished from all other Ampulicidae in our area by the rusty-red head and thorax (these regions always black in the other 3 species).
Where is Ampulex ferruginea found?
Range: FL & TX