Epeolus pusillus
This record describes Epeolus pusillus (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Widespread but usually less common than E. scutellaris in the northeastern USA. Types: Holotype female by Cresson, 1874. #9204193. Locality: Massachusetts. In Smithsonian, no photos. Lectotype: #2228 with right antenna off beyond joint three. In Academy of Natural Sciences ANSP – Drexel University, Philadelphia. Note: Specimen in Museum of Natural History, University of Michigan.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Apidae (Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees)
- Subfamily
- Nomadinae
- Tribe
- Epeolini
- Genus
- Epeolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forest edges and meadows.
Geographic Range
e. NA to AZ / Mex. - Map (Discover Life)
Seasonal Activity
Mid-August 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.
Life History
Hosts are Colletes compactus, C. americanus, C. ciliatoides and C. deserticola . The female finds Plasterer bee nests, enters and lays an egg. When larva hatch, it kills the Plasterer bee egg, and feeds on the stored pollen, nectar.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Epeolus pusillus Cresson, 1864
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Epeolus pusillus. 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 Epeolus pusillus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , John S. Ascher , hg , lee_penner , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Epeolus pusillus
What is Epeolus pusillus?
Epeolus pusillus is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Epeolus pusillus?
Smaller than E. scutellaris Female 9 mm, male 7 to 8 mm.
Where is Epeolus pusillus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forest edges and meadows. |
| Range | e. NA to AZ / Mex. - Map (Discover Life) |
What does Epeolus pusillus eat?
The diet of the Epeolus pusillus includes The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Epeolus pusillus active?
Epeolus pusillus: seasonal activity - Mid-August to September..
What is the life cycle of a Epeolus pusillus?
Hosts are Colletes compactus, C. americanus, C. ciliatoides and C. deserticola . The female finds Plasterer bee nests, enters and lays an egg. When larva hatch, it kills the Plasterer bee egg, and feeds on the stored pollen, nectar.