Anthidium florentinum
This record describes Anthidium florentinum (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to A. manicatum in size and coloration. Considered an efficient pollinator of alfalfa.
Wikipedia reference for Anthidium florentinum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthidium_florentinum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Megachilidae (Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies)
- Subfamily
- Megachilinae
- Tribe
- Anthidiini
- Genus
- Anthidium (Woolcarder Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Originally from Europe to central Asia, Mediterranean basin. First seen in Montreal, Canada in 2012
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Mostly Fabaceae and Lamiaceae; it is also found on Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Scrophulariaceae;
Life History
Nests above ground in nesting structures, near host plants.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Anthidium florentinum. 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 Anthidium florentinum (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthidium florentinum
What is Anthidium florentinum?
Anthidium florentinum is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Anthidium florentinum?
Very similar to A. manicatum in size and coloration.
Where is Anthidium florentinum found?
Range: Originally from Europe to central Asia, Mediterranean basin. First seen in Montreal, Canada in 2012
What does Anthidium florentinum eat?
The diet of the Anthidium florentinum includes Mostly Fabaceae and Lamiaceae; it is also found on Asteraceae, Rosaceae, and Scrophulariaceae;.
What is the life cycle of a Anthidium florentinum?
Nests above ground in nesting structures, near host plants.