Ancistrocerus gazella
This record describes Ancistrocerus gazella (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ancistrocerus gazella has black and yellow markings typical of this family. Very similar in appearance to Ancistrocerus parietum and detailed examination is needed for a safe identification. See the ID Aid below. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Found in a wide variety of habitats including sandy and clay soils, river banks, coastal areas and open urban, parkland and wooded areas. Probably univoltine; generally on the wing from June to August, and rarely during May, September and October. Widespread in the southern half of Britain especially around coastal locations.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Ancistrocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats including sandy and clay soils, river banks, coastal areas and open urban, parkland and wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Probably univoltine; generally on the wing from June to August, and rarely during May, September and October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Preying mainly on Lepidoptera larvae.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the southern half of Britain especially around coastal locations.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ancistrocerus gazella. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ancistrocerus gazella
What is Ancistrocerus gazella?
Ancistrocerus gazella is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Ancistrocerus gazella found?
Habitat: Found in a wide variety of habitats including sandy and clay soils, river banks, coastal areas and open urban, parkland and wooded areas.
When is Ancistrocerus gazella active?
Ancistrocerus gazella: seasonal activity - Probably univoltine; generally on the wing from June to August, and rarely during May, September and October..
What is the life cycle of a Ancistrocerus gazella?
Preying mainly on Lepidoptera larvae.