Atomacera debilis
This record describes Atomacera debilis (species). Recorded family: Argidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
♂ ♀
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Argidae (Argid Sawflies)
- Genus
- Atomacera
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
widespread in eastern North America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on Desmodium . (Dr. Smith's comment here )
Life History
Larva; Larvae; Pupa; Adult:
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Atomacera debilis. 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 Atomacera debilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Atomacera debilis
How do you identify Atomacera debilis?
♂ ♀
Where is Atomacera debilis found?
Range: widespread in eastern North America
What does Atomacera debilis eat?
The diet of the Atomacera debilis includes Larvae feed on Desmodium . (Dr. Smith's comment here ).
What is the life cycle of a Atomacera debilis?
Larva; Larvae; Pupa; Adult: