Epimelissodes atripes
This record describes Epimelissodes atripes (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
- Apinae
- Tribe
- Eucerini
- Genus
- Epimelissodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Discover Life Map primarily western in its range, occurring from New Mexico and Colorado to Louisiana and Illinois, and is in flight in various parts of this range.
Seasonal Activity
from March to October
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Cresson, 1872
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Epimelissodes atripes. 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 Epimelissodes atripes (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Epimelissodes atripes
How big is Epimelissodes atripes?
Female: 15-20 mm. Male 13-18 mm
Where is Epimelissodes atripes found?
Range: Discover Life Map primarily western in its range, occurring from New Mexico and Colorado to Louisiana and Illinois, and is in flight in various parts of this range.
When is Epimelissodes atripes active?
Epimelissodes atripes: seasonal activity - from March to October.