Isodontia apicalis
This record describes Isodontia apicalis (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very large head, stocky build; white hairs on thorax. Very similar to I. mexicana. For distinguishing characters see species page .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Sphecidae (Thread-waisted Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Sphecinae
- Tribe
- Sphecini
- Genus
- Isodontia (Grass-carrying Wasps)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
eastern United States (New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida), westward through Tennessee and Louisiana to Texas (fig. 17). Also in eastern Nebraska and Arizona.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Isodontia apicalis. 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 Isodontia apicalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Matthias Buck , anitagould
Frequently Asked Questions About Isodontia apicalis
What is Isodontia apicalis?
Isodontia apicalis is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Isodontia apicalis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 20mm. |
| Male | 18 mm |
How do you identify Isodontia apicalis?
Very large head, stocky build; white hairs on thorax. Very similar to I. mexicana. For distinguishing characters see species page .
Where is Isodontia apicalis found?
Range: eastern United States (New Jersey, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida), westward through Tennessee and Louisiana to Texas (fig. 17). Also in eastern Nebraska and Arizona.