Melissodes trinodis
This record describes Melissodes trinodis (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wing veins darker than in the similar M. agilis. Also the pale spot at the base of the mandible (males only) is usually smaller (or absent), the thoracic hairs darker orange (not paler yellowish), dark hairs more obvious on the top of the head, and apical areas of the terga darker.
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
East. Kansas and North Dakota, east to Maine and Georgia Discover Life Global map
Seasonal Activity
Fall. July to October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Visits flowers from several families. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images. Pollen specialist on Asteraceae.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Robertson, 1901
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Melissodes trinodis. 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 trinodis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ted Kropiewnicki; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Melissodes trinodis
What is Melissodes trinodis?
Melissodes trinodis is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Melissodes trinodis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 11-12 mm. |
| Male | 9-11 mm. |
How do you identify Melissodes trinodis?
Wing veins darker than in the similar M. agilis. Also the pale spot at the base of the mandible (males only) is usually smaller (or absent), the thoracic hairs darker orange (not paler yellowish), dark hairs more obvious on the top of the head, and apical areas of the terga darker.
Where is Melissodes trinodis found?
Range: East. Kansas and North Dakota, east to Maine and Georgia Discover Life Global map
What does Melissodes trinodis eat?
The diet of the Melissodes trinodis includes Visits flowers from several families. 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 Melissodes trinodis active?
Melissodes trinodis: seasonal activity - Fall. July to October.