Leucospis birkmani
This record describes Leucospis birkmani (species). Recorded family: Leucospidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The roundish medial spot at the anterior edge of the pronotum is distinctive for this species. (comment by Norm Woodley) Morphologically, the immaculate scutellum rules out L. affinis and L. slossonae .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Leucospidae
- Genus
- Leucospis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so US (AZ, NM, TX, FL) & Mexico
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Leucospis birkmani Brues , 1925
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Leucospis birkmani. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leucospis birkmani
What is Leucospis birkmani?
Leucospis birkmani is a species in the family Leucospidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Leucospis birkmani?
♀ ~12.5mm
How do you identify Leucospis birkmani?
The roundish medial spot at the anterior edge of the pronotum is distinctive for this species. (comment by Norm Woodley) Morphologically, the immaculate scutellum rules out L. affinis and L. slossonae .
Where is Leucospis birkmani found?
Range: so US (AZ, NM, TX, FL) & Mexico