Mimumesa clypeata
This record describes Mimumesa clypeata (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
One of only two North American Mimumesa species with partially red abdomen (all others have a completely black abdomen). Therefore very similar to Mimesa species (most of which also have a partially red abdomen). Only separable from Mimesa by subtle structural characters (complete acetabular carina of thorax, shape of clypeus, etc.)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Crabronidae (Square-headed Wasps, Sand Wasps, and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Pemphredoninae
- Tribe
- Psenini
- Genus
- Mimumesa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
A northern-montane species. Canada, Alaska, and western U.S., towards the south at higher elevations.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mimumesa clypeata (W. Fox 1898)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Mimumesa clypeata. 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 Mimumesa clypeata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthias Buck; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Mimumesa clypeata
What is Mimumesa clypeata?
Mimumesa clypeata is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Mimumesa clypeata?
One of only two North American Mimumesa species with partially red abdomen (all others have a completely black abdomen). Therefore very similar to Mimesa species (most of which also have a partially red abdomen). Only separable from Mimesa by subtle structural characters (complete acetabular carina of thorax, shape of clypeus, etc.)
Where is Mimumesa clypeata found?
Range: A northern-montane species. Canada, Alaska, and western U.S., towards the south at higher elevations.