Palmodes dimidiatus
This record describes Palmodes dimidiatus (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Only member of genus in eastern North America.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Sphecidae (Thread-waisted Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Sphecinae
- Tribe
- Prionychini
- Genus
- Palmodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
June-August, especially July (Michigan)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nests in sandy soil. Preys on katydids ( Tettigoniidae ), usually nymphs, often shield-back katydids ( Tettigoniinae ), which, in the East, would be Atlanticus (Sphecids of Michigan, guide photos).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author is DeGeer , 1773.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Palmodes dimidiatus. 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 Palmodes dimidiatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Hollenbeck; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Palmodes dimidiatus
What is Palmodes dimidiatus?
Palmodes dimidiatus is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Palmodes dimidiatus?
Only member of genus in eastern North America.
When is Palmodes dimidiatus active?
Palmodes dimidiatus: seasonal activity - June-August, especially July (Michigan).
What is the life cycle of a Palmodes dimidiatus?
Nests in sandy soil. Preys on katydids ( Tettigoniidae ), usually nymphs, often shield-back katydids ( Tettigoniinae ), which, in the East, would be Atlanticus (Sphecids of Michigan, guide photos).