Melissodes subillatus
This record describes Melissodes subillatus (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
CT-DE-MA-MD-ME-NJ-NY-PA-VA-WV Quebec to Saskatchewan in Canada, south to North Carolina Discover Life Map Generally more southern than the similar M.illatus.
Seasonal Activity
June to September.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pollen specialist on Asteraceae
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: LaBerge, 1961
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Melissodes subillatus. 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 subillatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Melissodes subillatus
How big is Melissodes subillatus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 9.5-12 mm. |
| Male | 9.5-12 mm. |
Where is Melissodes subillatus found?
Range: CT-DE-MA-MD-ME-NJ-NY-PA-VA-WV Quebec to Saskatchewan in Canada, south to North Carolina Discover Life Map Generally more southern than the similar M.illatus.
What does Melissodes subillatus eat?
The diet of the Melissodes subillatus includes Pollen specialist on Asteraceae.
When is Melissodes subillatus active?
Melissodes subillatus: seasonal activity - June to September..