Calameuta middlekauffi
This record describes Calameuta middlekauffi (species). Recorded family: Cephidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See Smith & Schiff for the detailed original description of this species, and for information and photographic plates helping to distinguish it from the other known nearctic species in the genus, C. clavata .
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
Central valley and coastal ranges of southern Oregon to southern California.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Calameuta middlekauffi. 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 middlekauffi (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Calameuta middlekauffi
What is Calameuta middlekauffi?
Calameuta middlekauffi is a species in the family Cephidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Calameuta middlekauffi?
Female Length: 6.7-8.5mm
How do you identify Calameuta middlekauffi?
See Smith & Schiff for the detailed original description of this species, and for information and photographic plates helping to distinguish it from the other known nearctic species in the genus, C. clavata .
Where is Calameuta middlekauffi found?
Range: Central valley and coastal ranges of southern Oregon to southern California.