Megachile parallela
This record describes Megachile parallela (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The female of M. parallela is distinct, and can be recognized by apex of S6, which has a bare, slightly upturned rim projecting slightly beyond the dense fringe of short, dark hairs. [this character also present in other species in the subgenus]
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
- Megachilinae
- Tribe
- Megachilini
- Genus
- Megachile (Leafcutter and Resin Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
British Columbia to Mexico, east to North Dakota, Indiana, North Carolina and Florida. Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images. Pollen specialist on Asteraceae.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Megachile parallela. 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 Megachile parallela (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , John S. Ascher , Vox Sciurorum , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Megachile parallela
What is Megachile parallela?
Megachile parallela is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Megachile parallela?
Female 13-14 mm, male 12-13 mm
How do you identify Megachile parallela?
The female of M. parallela is distinct, and can be recognized by apex of S6, which has a bare, slightly upturned rim projecting slightly beyond the dense fringe of short, dark hairs. [this character also present in other species in the subgenus]
Where is Megachile parallela found?
Range: British Columbia to Mexico, east to North Dakota, Indiana, North Carolina and Florida. Discover Life Map
What does Megachile parallela eat?
The diet of the Megachile parallela includes The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images. Pollen specialist on Asteraceae..
When is Megachile parallela active?
Megachile parallela: seasonal activity - June to September..