Coelioxys alternatus
This record describes Coelioxys alternatus (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Medler (1964) reported rearing Coelioxys alternatus from trap nests provisioned by Megachile pugnata . (Baker J. R. 1975 and Mitchell, T.B. 1962)
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
- Megachilini
- Genus
- Coelioxys (Sharptail Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
British Columbia to Ontario, Vermont and Massachusetts, south to Florida. Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
April (in Florida) and May to September
Diet and Behavior
Diet: 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: Say, 1837
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Coelioxys alternatus. 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 Coelioxys alternatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Coelioxys alternatus
What is Coelioxys alternatus?
Coelioxys alternatus is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Coelioxys alternatus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 13 mm. |
| Male | 10-12 mm |
Where is Coelioxys alternatus found?
Range: British Columbia to Ontario, Vermont and Massachusetts, south to Florida. Discover Life Map
What does Coelioxys alternatus eat?
The diet of the Coelioxys alternatus includes The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Coelioxys alternatus active?
Coelioxys alternatus: seasonal activity - April (in Florida) and May to September.