Isodontia philadelphica
This record describes Isodontia philadelphica (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A stocky Isodontia , with heavy, black pubescence, and violet wings. Sphex pensylvanicus , is similar, but usually holds its wings folded parallel to body when nectaring (see comments on this image ):
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
Includes southeastern and south-central United States. Noted from Colorado, Kansas, east to Mass., Pennsylvania, south to North Carolina, Florida, Texas. Additional BugGuide records include Arizona, California, Oregon.
Seasonal Activity
May-October (North Carolina--see print refernces)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults take nectar.
Life History
Provisions nests with Loud-singing Bush Crickets ( Orocharis , Gryllidae).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Isodontia philadelphica. 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 philadelphica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Matthias Buck
Frequently Asked Questions About Isodontia philadelphica
What is Isodontia philadelphica?
Isodontia philadelphica is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Isodontia philadelphica?
Circa 20 mm
How do you identify Isodontia philadelphica?
A stocky Isodontia , with heavy, black pubescence, and violet wings. Sphex pensylvanicus , is similar, but usually holds its wings folded parallel to body when nectaring (see comments on this image ):
Where is Isodontia philadelphica found?
Range: Includes southeastern and south-central United States. Noted from Colorado, Kansas, east to Mass., Pennsylvania, south to North Carolina, Florida, Texas. Additional BugGuide records include Arizona, California, Oregon.
What does Isodontia philadelphica eat?
The diet of the Isodontia philadelphica includes Adults take nectar..
When is Isodontia philadelphica active?
Isodontia philadelphica: seasonal activity - May-October (North Carolina--see print refernces).
What is the life cycle of a Isodontia philadelphica?
Provisions nests with Loud-singing Bush Crickets ( Orocharis , Gryllidae).