Halictus tectus
This record describes Halictus tectus (species). Recorded family: Halictidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
First US record in the early 2000's(2005?), introduced from Europe. Found in eastern US, usually in disturbed, even urban, areas.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Halictidae (Sweat, Furrow, Nomiine, and Short-faced Bees)
- Subfamily
- Halictinae
- Tribe
- Halictini
- Genus
- Halictus (Furrow Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Collected in Washington D.C. area in Maryland and in Downtown Philadelphia. Discover Life Map .
Seasonal Activity
July to September
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Halictus (Vestitohalictus) tectus Radoszkowski, 1876
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Halictus tectus. 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 Halictus tectus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , hg , PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Halictus tectus
What is Halictus tectus?
Halictus tectus is a species in the family Halictidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Halictus tectus found?
Range: Collected in Washington D.C. area in Maryland and in Downtown Philadelphia. Discover Life Map .
When is Halictus tectus active?
Halictus tectus: seasonal activity - July to September.