Cemolobus ipomoeae
This record describes Cemolobus ipomoeae (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Apidae (Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees)
- Subfamily
- Apinae
- Tribe
- Eucerini
- Genus
- Cemolobus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Illinois to North Carolina and Georgia: Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
June and July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Feed on Ipomoea and Calystegia (Convolvulaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Cemolobus ipomoeae (Robertson, 1891)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cemolobus ipomoeae. 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 Cemolobus ipomoeae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , kenglouhung , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Cemolobus ipomoeae
How big is Cemolobus ipomoeae?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 12.5-14.5mm. |
| Male | 13-14.5mm |
Where is Cemolobus ipomoeae found?
Range: Illinois to North Carolina and Georgia: Discover Life Map
What does Cemolobus ipomoeae eat?
The diet of the Cemolobus ipomoeae includes Feed on Ipomoea and Calystegia (Convolvulaceae).
When is Cemolobus ipomoeae active?
Cemolobus ipomoeae: seasonal activity - June and July.