Bicyrtes variegatus
This record describes Bicyrtes variegatus (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Scutum with long pale spots. Scutellar spots closely approximated anteriorly. Xanthic B. quadrifasciatus can be similar but have spots on tergum 5 more separated.
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
Southwestern Texas to Argentina
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bicyrtes variegatus (Olivier 1789)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Bicyrtes variegatus. 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 Bicyrtes variegatus (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthias Buck; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Bicyrtes variegatus
What is Bicyrtes variegatus?
Bicyrtes variegatus is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Bicyrtes variegatus?
Scutum with long pale spots. Scutellar spots closely approximated anteriorly. Xanthic B. quadrifasciatus can be similar but have spots on tergum 5 more separated.
Where is Bicyrtes variegatus found?
Range: Southwestern Texas to Argentina