Anoplius toluca
This record describes Anoplius toluca (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females are difficult or impossible to separate from its sister species, A. dreisbachi . When viewed laterally, the hair brushes on the 4th and 5th sternum appear continuous in A. dreisbachi but separated in A. toluca . In California no other species of Anoplius has distinctly blue pubescence and strong hair brushes on the venter.
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.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Anoplius toluca. 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 Anoplius toluca
What is Anoplius toluca?
Anoplius toluca is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Anoplius toluca?
8-16mm
How do you identify Anoplius toluca?
Females are difficult or impossible to separate from its sister species, A. dreisbachi . When viewed laterally, the hair brushes on the 4th and 5th sternum appear continuous in A. dreisbachi but separated in A. toluca . In California no other species of Anoplius has distinctly blue pubescence and strong hair brushes on the venter.