Hylaeus schwarzii
This record describes Hylaeus schwarzii (species). Recorded family: Colletidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
See Discover Life reference for complete description and cited references
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Colletidae (Cellophane, Plasterer, Masked, and Allied Bees)
- Subfamily
- Diphaglossinae
- Genus
- Hylaeus (Masked Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Appears most commonly along the coast, particularly near salt marshes
Geographic Range
Massachusetts to Florida
Seasonal Activity
April to September in the North, to December in Florida
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Known to feed on legumes Melilotus albus , Medicago lupulina , and aquatic plant Hydrocotyle umbellata
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Hylaeus schwarzii. 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 Hylaeus schwarzii (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robert Lord Zimlich; Additional contributions by John S. Ascher , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Hylaeus schwarzii
What is Hylaeus schwarzii?
Hylaeus schwarzii is a species in the family Colletidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Hylaeus schwarzii?
See Discover Life reference for complete description and cited references
Where is Hylaeus schwarzii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Appears most commonly along the coast, particularly near salt marshes |
| Range | Massachusetts to Florida |
What does Hylaeus schwarzii eat?
The diet of the Hylaeus schwarzii includes Known to feed on legumes Melilotus albus , Medicago lupulina , and aquatic plant Hydrocotyle umbellata.
When is Hylaeus schwarzii active?
Hylaeus schwarzii: seasonal activity - April to September in the North, to December in Florida.