Cryptocheilus attenuatum
This record describes Cryptocheilus attenuatum (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pepsinae
- Tribe
- Pepsini
- Genus
- Cryptocheilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open disturbed areas, meadows and fields, woodland edges.
Geographic Range
Found throughout most of the country; rare or absent north of the Great Lakes.
Seasonal Activity
Late summer-early autumn species; most common in July and August in the north, but can be found through September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults commonly visit flowers, especially umbellifers ( Pastinaca sativa and Daucus carota ).
Life History
One generation per year.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Cryptocheilus attenuatum. 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 Cryptocheilus attenuatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nick Fensler; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptocheilus attenuatum
How big is Cryptocheilus attenuatum?
Females 12-15 mm, males usually not larger than 10 mm.
Where is Cryptocheilus attenuatum found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open disturbed areas, meadows and fields, woodland edges. |
| Range | Found throughout most of the country; rare or absent north of the Great Lakes. |
What does Cryptocheilus attenuatum eat?
The diet of the Cryptocheilus attenuatum includes Adults commonly visit flowers, especially umbellifers ( Pastinaca sativa and Daucus carota )..
When is Cryptocheilus attenuatum active?
Cryptocheilus attenuatum: seasonal activity - Late summer-early autumn species; most common in July and August in the north, but can be found through September..
What is the life cycle of a Cryptocheilus attenuatum?
One generation per year.