Macrophya varia
This record describes Macrophya varia (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of only two species of Macrophya combining white antennal tips and white tarsi (the other being M. festana ). Appropriately for its epithet, other markings are quite variable, including the extent of pale markings around the orbits. There is also a melanic form with the legs and abdomen otherwise very dark rather than rufoaurantius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Tenthredininae
- Tribe
- Macrophyini
- Genus
- Macrophya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental southern Canada and (primarily) eastern US: NS-BC to NC-MS-MN
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Macrophya varia (Norton, 1860)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Macrophya varia. 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 Macrophya varia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Macrophya varia
What is Macrophya varia?
Macrophya varia is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Macrophya varia?
One of only two species of Macrophya combining white antennal tips and white tarsi (the other being M. festana ). Appropriately for its epithet, other markings are quite variable, including the extent of pale markings around the orbits. There is also a melanic form with the legs and abdomen otherwise very dark rather than rufoaurantius.
Where is Macrophya varia found?
Range: transcontinental southern Canada and (primarily) eastern US: NS-BC to NC-MS-MN