Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp
Bicyrtes quadrifasciatus
This record describes Bicyrtes quadrifasciatus (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The increasing distance between the pairs of tergal bands posterad is diagnostic against other species in the genus.
Wikipedia reference for Bicyrtes quadrifasciatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicyrtes_quadrifasciatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Crabronidae (Square-headed Wasps, Sand Wasps, and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Bembicinae
- Tribe
- Bembicini
- Genus
- Bicyrtes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. NA
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Oct in NC ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults may be seen foraging on flowers. The females provision the nests with paralyzed True Bugs , Suborder Heteroptera . (for the larvae)
Life History
Females with prey:
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: QUADRIFASCIATUS = from the Latin quadri or quattuor (four) + fasciatus (banded) - This refers to the four white bands on the sides of the abdomen of the females. The males may have five of these markings.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Bicyrtes quadrifasciatus. 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 Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , tom murray , John S. Ascher , v belov , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp
What is Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp?
Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp (Bicyrtes quadrifasciatus) is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp?
17-19 mm
How do you identify Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp?
The increasing distance between the pairs of tergal bands posterad is diagnostic against other species in the genus.
Where is Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp found?
Range: e. NA
What does Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp eat?
The diet of the Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp includes Adults may be seen foraging on flowers. The females provision the nests with paralyzed True Bugs , Suborder Heteroptera . (for the larvae).
When is Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp active?
Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp: seasonal activity - Jun-Oct in NC ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Four-banded Stink Bug Wasp?
Females with prey: