Melissodes agilis
This record describes Melissodes agilis (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male - Base of mandible with yellow spot. Labrum mostly yellow, with some black or brown. F1 short, ~1/7th F2. Distal (apical) portion of tergites clear. Antennae reaching stigma in repose.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Apidae (Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees)
- Subfamily
- Apinae
- Tribe
- Eucerini
- Genus
- Melissodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Occurs throughout the United States, Southern Canada and Northern Mexico Discover Life Global map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: An oligolege of Helianthus . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Melissodes agilis. 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 Melissodes agilis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joe, Entomologist (in training); Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Ted Kropiewnicki , John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Melissodes agilis
What is Melissodes agilis?
Melissodes agilis is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Melissodes agilis?
Male - Base of mandible with yellow spot. Labrum mostly yellow, with some black or brown. F1 short, ~1/7th F2. Distal (apical) portion of tergites clear. Antennae reaching stigma in repose.
Where is Melissodes agilis found?
Range: Occurs throughout the United States, Southern Canada and Northern Mexico Discover Life Global map
What does Melissodes agilis eat?
The diet of the Melissodes agilis includes An oligolege of Helianthus . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..