Nysson plagiatus
This record describes Nysson plagiatus (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Separated from the similar N. aequalis by the broader yellow stripe on the first segment of the gaster (roughly 2x as wide) Individuals with reddish parts of the metasoma are known to occur in Texas. --Matthias Buck
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
- Bembicinae
- Tribe
- Nyssonini
- Genus
- Nysson
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Eastern US
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Krombein et al. cite Sphex ichneumoneus as a questionable host record. BugGuide contributors have observed Nysson plagiatus entering burrows of S. ichneumoneus (great golden digger wasp) and S. nudus (katydid wasp) . This is in contrast with its allies, which may be associated with Tachytes .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Nysson plagiatus Cresson 1882
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Nysson plagiatus. 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 Nysson plagiatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by ceiseman , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Nysson plagiatus
What is Nysson plagiatus?
Nysson plagiatus is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Nysson plagiatus?
Separated from the similar N. aequalis by the broader yellow stripe on the first segment of the gaster (roughly 2x as wide)
Where is Nysson plagiatus found?
Range: Eastern US
What is the life cycle of a Nysson plagiatus?
Krombein et al. cite Sphex ichneumoneus as a questionable host record. BugGuide contributors have observed Nysson plagiatus entering burrows of S. ichneumoneus (great golden digger wasp) and S. nudus (katydid wasp) . This is in contrast with its allies, which may be associated with Tachytes .