Caupolicana electa
This record describes Caupolicana electa (species). Recorded family: Colletidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Colletidae (Cellophane, Plasterer, Masked, and Allied Bees)
- Subfamily
- Diphaglossinae
- Genus
- Caupolicana
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southeastern Coastal States (NC, AL, GA, FL) Discover Life Global map
Seasonal Activity
September - November
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Caupolicana electa. 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 Caupolicana electa (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Caupolicana electa
How big is Caupolicana electa?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Male | Length 18-20 mm; wing length 15-15½ mm. |
| Female | Length 17-18 mm; wing leng th 19 mm. |
Where is Caupolicana electa found?
Range: Southeastern Coastal States (NC, AL, GA, FL) Discover Life Global map
When is Caupolicana electa active?
Caupolicana electa: seasonal activity - September - November.