Calameuta clavata
This record describes Calameuta clavata (species). Recorded family: Cephidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguishing from the similar Cephus cinctus explained here . Photos of abdomens and heads of C. clavata and C. middlekauffi , the only other known nearctic member of the genus in
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Cephidae (Stem Sawflies)
- Tribe
- Cephini
- Genus
- Calameuta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. NA
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae are grass stem borers. Adults commonly attracted to yellow flowers. --Dave Smith
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Calameuta clavata (Norton 1869)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Calameuta clavata. 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 Calameuta clavata (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Bob Carlson; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , Vox Sciurorum , kschnei , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Calameuta clavata
What is Calameuta clavata?
Calameuta clavata is a species in the family Cephidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Calameuta clavata?
Distinguishing from the similar Cephus cinctus explained here .
Where is Calameuta clavata found?
Range: w. NA
What does Calameuta clavata eat?
The diet of the Calameuta clavata includes Larvae are grass stem borers. Adults commonly attracted to yellow flowers. --Dave Smith.