Anoplius apiculatus
This record describes Anoplius apiculatus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pompilinae
- Tribe
- Anopliini
- Genus
- Anoplius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is found almost exclusively in sandy habitats, often close to water (beaches/sand dunes)
Geographic Range
Transcontinental. A. a. apiculatus in the west, A. a. autumnalis mainly in the east and eastern Great Plains, and A. a. pretiosus mainly on the eastern coastal plain
Seasonal Activity
Summer and early autumn
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults uncommonly visit flowers, usually umbellifers.
Life History
Females provision nests with spiders of the family Lycosidae. They are fossorial; they have very long comb-spines on the front tarsi as an adaptation to this.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anoplius apiculatus (Smith 1855)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Anoplius apiculatus. 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 Anoplius apiculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nick Fensler; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anoplius apiculatus
How big is Anoplius apiculatus?
~6-14 mm
Where is Anoplius apiculatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This species is found almost exclusively in sandy habitats, often close to water (beaches/sand dunes) |
| Range | Transcontinental. A. a. apiculatus in the west, A. a. autumnalis mainly in the east and eastern Great Plains, and A. a. pretiosus mainly on the eastern coastal plain |
What does Anoplius apiculatus eat?
The diet of the Anoplius apiculatus includes Adults uncommonly visit flowers, usually umbellifers..
When is Anoplius apiculatus active?
Anoplius apiculatus: seasonal activity - Summer and early autumn.
What is the life cycle of a Anoplius apiculatus?
Females provision nests with spiders of the family Lycosidae. They are fossorial; they have very long comb-spines on the front tarsi as an adaptation to this.