Euodynerus crypticus
This record describes Euodynerus crypticus (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from all other species in the northeast by the lack of any black on the scapes and pedicels, lack of black on the pronotum, and scutellum with an uninterrupted ferruginous spot. The females in particular tend to only have a yellow band on T1, conspicuously broad, and no or poorly-defined banding on subsequent tergites. Nests in small colonies in the ground.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Euodynerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. Canada and US west to AZ, UT, & WY - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Euodynerus crypticus (Say, 1823)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Euodynerus crypticus. 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 Euodynerus crypticus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthias Buck; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Euodynerus crypticus
What is Euodynerus crypticus?
Euodynerus crypticus is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Euodynerus crypticus?
13.5–15 mm ♀, 9.5–11.5 mm ♂
How do you identify Euodynerus crypticus?
Distinguished from all other species in the northeast by the lack of any black on the scapes and pedicels, lack of black on the pronotum, and scutellum with an uninterrupted ferruginous spot. The females in particular tend to only have a yellow band on T1, conspicuously broad, and no or poorly-defined banding on subsequent tergites.
Where is Euodynerus crypticus found?
Range: e. Canada and US west to AZ, UT, & WY - Map