Chelostoma philadelphi
This record describes Chelostoma philadelphi (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Chelostoma are longer than most Osmini because of their elongated thorax. Identifying this genus means noticing where the tegula lie in relation to the thorax. Pretend you are drawing a + on the thorax. The ends of Chelostoma tegula (that part closest to the wings) are about midway as shown in this photo whereas in other Osmini the tegula ends are lower on the thorax as shown in this photo Native species. The other two species in this genus in the area are introduced.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Megachilidae (Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies)
- Subfamily
- Megachilinae
- Tribe
- Osmiini
- Genus
- Chelostoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Illinois and Michigan to Connecticut, south to Georgia. Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
March to July.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Includes Philadelphus . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Robertson, 1891
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Chelostoma philadelphi. 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 Chelostoma philadelphi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by John S. Ascher , hg , Marci Hess , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelostoma philadelphi
What is Chelostoma philadelphi?
Chelostoma philadelphi is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Chelostoma philadelphi?
Female 8mm, male 6-7mm
How do you identify Chelostoma philadelphi?
Chelostoma are longer than most Osmini because of their elongated thorax. Identifying this genus means noticing where the tegula lie in relation to the thorax. Pretend you are drawing a + on the thorax. The ends of Chelostoma tegula (that part closest to the wings) are about midway as shown in this photo whereas in other Osmini the tegula ends are lower on the thorax as shown in this photo
Where is Chelostoma philadelphi found?
Range: Illinois and Michigan to Connecticut, south to Georgia. Discover Life Map
What does Chelostoma philadelphi eat?
The diet of the Chelostoma philadelphi includes Includes Philadelphus . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Chelostoma philadelphi active?
Chelostoma philadelphi: seasonal activity - March to July..