Lithurgopsis gibbosa
This record describes Lithurgopsis gibbosa (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Megachilidae (Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies)
- Subfamily
- Lithurginae
- Genus
- Lithurgopsis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
North Carolina to Florida and Texas. Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
March to July, but as early as January in Florida.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: specialist on cactus (Cactaceae). The Flower Records section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Life History
Wood-nesting
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Likely refers to the elevated shiny boss on the female head
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Lithurgopsis gibbosa. 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 Lithurgopsis gibbosa (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Lithurgopsis gibbosa
Where is Lithurgopsis gibbosa found?
Range: North Carolina to Florida and Texas. Discover Life Map
What does Lithurgopsis gibbosa eat?
The diet of the Lithurgopsis gibbosa includes specialist on cactus (Cactaceae). The Flower Records section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Lithurgopsis gibbosa active?
Lithurgopsis gibbosa: seasonal activity - March to July, but as early as January in Florida..
What is the life cycle of a Lithurgopsis gibbosa?
Wood-nesting