Coelioxys coturnix
This record describes Coelioxys coturnix (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Non native, from Europe, where it is rather uncommon. Introduced very recently.
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
Maryland, Pennsylvania Discover Life Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Observed on Mentha spicata ( ref. ) and Achillea millefolium ( ref. )
Life History
Cleptoparasite of Megachile minutissima based on studies of nests in Egypt (Rozen, JG & Kamel, SM)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Pérez, 1884. Common name is based on a distinctive character and the specific epithet of a junior synonym ruficaudis , but with added precision (the tip of the tail is red, not the entire thing).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Coelioxys coturnix. 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 coturnix (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Coelioxys coturnix
What is Coelioxys coturnix?
Coelioxys coturnix is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Coelioxys coturnix found?
Range: Maryland, Pennsylvania Discover Life Map
What does Coelioxys coturnix eat?
The diet of the Coelioxys coturnix includes Observed on Mentha spicata ( ref. ) and Achillea millefolium ( ref. ).
What is the life cycle of a Coelioxys coturnix?
Cleptoparasite of Megachile minutissima based on studies of nests in Egypt (Rozen, JG & Kamel, SM)