Perilampus crassus
This record describes Perilampus crassus (species). Recorded family: Perilampidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Perilampus crassus (Perilampus crassus) is a species in the family Perilampidae, commonly known as perilampid wasps, belonging to the order Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies). It is classified within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. This species belongs to the genus Perilampus.
Identification notes
Diagnosis given by Yoo & Darling.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chalcidoidea
- Family
- Perilampidae (Perilampid Wasps)
- Genus
- Perilampus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AR, FL, KS, NM, TX; BugGuide adds MD
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Perilampus crassus Yoo & Darling, 2024
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Perilampus crassus. 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 Perilampus crassus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Perilampus crassus
What is Perilampus crassus?
Perilampus crassus is a species in the family Perilampidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Perilampus crassus?
Diagnosis given by Yoo & Darling.
Where is Perilampus crassus found?
Range: AR, FL, KS, NM, TX; BugGuide adds MD