Chrysis smaragdula
This record describes Chrysis smaragdula (species). Recorded family: Chrysididae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Chrysis smaragdula: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysis_smaragdula.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chrysidoidea
- Family
- Chrysididae (Cuckoo Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Chrysidinae
- Tribe
- Chrysidini
- Genus
- Chrysis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (north to NY) to Honduras
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Oct
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chrysis smaragdula Fabricius 1775
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Chrysis smaragdula. 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 Chrysis smaragdula (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Villu Soon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Chrysis smaragdula
How big is Chrysis smaragdula?
at 11-15 mm, the largest nearctic Chrysis
Where is Chrysis smaragdula found?
Range: e. US (north to NY) to Honduras
When is Chrysis smaragdula active?
Chrysis smaragdula: seasonal activity - Mar-Oct.