Cross Potter Wasp
Eumenes crucifera
This record describes Eumenes crucifera (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
E. crucifera can be identified based on long and golden body pubescence; clypeal punctation; black integument with varying yellow marks; T2 wide, with lateral margins strongly concave; and mainly by posterior face of propodeum weakly concave Markings are highly variable, such that the species was once treated with 4 subspecies. However, as these color forms intergrade considerably through nearly every permutation of traits, their status as subspecies is no longer considered valid. For the sake of discussing variability, the former subspecies are discussed as end members: Former ssp. crucifera Former ssp. bolliformis Former ssp. nearcticus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Eumenes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Transcontinental, Canada (north to 63°N, US southeast to SC-MO-WY-NM) to Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Eumenes crucifera Provancher, 1888 [not crucifer - see ]
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Eumenes crucifera. 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 Cross Potter Wasp (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Matthias Buck , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Cross Potter Wasp
What is Cross Potter Wasp?
Cross Potter Wasp (Eumenes crucifera) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Cross Potter Wasp?
E. crucifera can be identified based on long and golden body pubescence; clypeal punctation; black integument with varying yellow marks; T2 wide, with lateral margins strongly concave; and mainly by posterior face of propodeum weakly concave
Where is Cross Potter Wasp found?
Range: Transcontinental, Canada (north to 63°N, US southeast to SC-MO-WY-NM) to Mexico