Chyphotes aenigmus
This record describes Chyphotes aenigmus (species). Recorded family: Chyphotidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species can be separated from other species in this subgenus by the presence of darkened integument of the head and the characteristic genitalia where the dorsal and ventral margins of paramere are divergent, curvature of dorsal margin more abrupt than ventral margin, being widest subapically to submedially, with the apical margin being broadly rounded, and with the basal area of the dorsal and ventral margins with a pronounced bend dorsally. A dorsal patch of somewhat anteriorly directed setae is present near the widest portion of the paramere. Female. Unknown. - Sadler 2018
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Thynnoidea
- Family
- Chyphotidae (Chyphotid Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Chyphotinae
- Genus
- Chyphotes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southern CA, southern AZ, southwest NM, Baja, Sonora Material Examined and Distribution. Holotype. Arizona, Pima, Co., Tucson, 4.May.1962, C.E. Mickel (UMSP). Further specimens examined: USA: Arizona (148 specimens), California (474 specimens), *Nevada (413 specimens), *New Mexico (19 specimens), *Utah (43 specimens); Mexico: Sonora (0 specimens).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Chyphotes (Chyphotes) aenigmus Mickel, 1967, Trans. Amer. Ent. Soc. 93:147-148, male.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Chyphotes aenigmus. 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 Chyphotes aenigmus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by George Waldren; Additional contributions by v belov , egordon88
Frequently Asked Questions About Chyphotes aenigmus
What is Chyphotes aenigmus?
Chyphotes aenigmus is a species in the family Chyphotidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Chyphotes aenigmus?
Male 8 mm
How do you identify Chyphotes aenigmus?
This species can be separated from other species in this subgenus by the presence of darkened integument of the head and the characteristic genitalia where the dorsal and ventral margins of paramere are divergent, curvature of dorsal margin more abrupt than ventral margin, being widest subapically to submedially, with the apical margin being broadly rounded, and with the basal area of the dorsal and ventral margins with a pronounced bend dorsally. A dorsal patch of somewhat anteriorly directed setae is present near the widest portion of the paramere. Female. Unknown. - Sadler 2018
Where is Chyphotes aenigmus found?
Range: southern CA, southern AZ, southwest NM, Baja, Sonora Material Examined and Distribution. Holotype. Arizona, Pima, Co., Tucson, 4.May.1962, C.E. Mickel (UMSP). Further specimens examined: USA: Arizona (148 specimens), California (474 specimens), *Nevada (413 specimens), *New Mexico (19 specimens), *Utah (43 specimens); Mexico: Sonora (0 specimens).