Crossocerus megacephalus
This record describes Crossocerus megacephalus (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. May be recorded from a wide range of habitats where its nesting substrate can be found including utilising old beetle borings in dead and decomposing wood. From mid-May to mid-September, but most records come from June to August, inclusive. Fairly frequent through much of Britain, though less so in Scotland. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Crabronidae
- Genus
- Crossocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be recorded from a wide range of habitats where its nesting substrate can be found including utilising old beetle borings in dead and decomposing wood.
Seasonal Activity
From mid-May to mid-September, but most records come from June to August, inclusive.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Prey includes small flies and grubs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent through much of Britain, though less so in Scotland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Crossocerus megacephalus. 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 Crossocerus megacephalus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Crossocerus megacephalus
What is Crossocerus megacephalus?
Crossocerus megacephalus is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Crossocerus megacephalus found?
Habitat: May be recorded from a wide range of habitats where its nesting substrate can be found including utilising old beetle borings in dead and decomposing wood.
When is Crossocerus megacephalus active?
Crossocerus megacephalus: seasonal activity - From mid-May to mid-September, but most records come from June to August, inclusive..
What is the life cycle of a Crossocerus megacephalus?
Prey includes small flies and grubs.