Pachyprotasis rapae
This record describes Pachyprotasis rapae (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Tenthredininae
- Tribe
- Macrophyini
- Genus
- Pachyprotasis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
holarctic, across NA & n. Eurasia
Seasonal Activity
May-Jul in UK
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on leaves of various plants such as Figwort and Ash
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachyprotasis rapae (Linné 1767)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pachyprotasis rapae. 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 Pachyprotasis rapae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachyprotasis rapae
How big is Pachyprotasis rapae?
7-10 mm
Where is Pachyprotasis rapae found?
Range: holarctic, across NA & n. Eurasia
What does Pachyprotasis rapae eat?
The diet of the Pachyprotasis rapae includes larvae feed on leaves of various plants such as Figwort and Ash.
When is Pachyprotasis rapae active?
Pachyprotasis rapae: seasonal activity - May-Jul in UK.
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