Epipompilus aztecus
This record describes Epipompilus aztecus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
After generic separation color is used to separate the species. The abdomen is black except for a pair of white spots on T2 and a white stripe on T5. The entire mesosoma is orange. The wings are hyaline and strongly twice-banded. The identifying characteristics are based entirely on female specimens; the male of this species is unknown from the literature. Records of males have been identified on iNaturalist and agree with the genus. They differ from the female in having the pronotum orange but the rest of the thorax black and in lacking white markings on the abdomen. ♀: ♂: rarely collected
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
- Epipompilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
LA to c. TX / Mex. to Brazil - Map
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Epipompilus aztecus. 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 Epipompilus aztecus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nick Fensler; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Epipompilus aztecus
What is Epipompilus aztecus?
Epipompilus aztecus is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Epipompilus aztecus?
7.5-14 mm
How do you identify Epipompilus aztecus?
After generic separation color is used to separate the species. The abdomen is black except for a pair of white spots on T2 and a white stripe on T5. The entire mesosoma is orange. The wings are hyaline and strongly twice-banded. The identifying characteristics are based entirely on female specimens; the male of this species is unknown from the literature. Records of males have been identified on iNaturalist and agree with the genus. They differ from the female in having the pronotum orange but the rest of the thorax black and in lacking white markings on the abdomen. ♀: ♂:
Where is Epipompilus aztecus found?
Range: LA to c. TX / Mex. to Brazil - Map