Philanthus gibbosus
This record describes Philanthus gibbosus (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Each female raises its own brood. However several wasps have been seen sharing one burrow's entrance
Wikipedia reference for Philanthus gibbosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philanthus_gibbosus.
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
- Philanthinae
- Tribe
- Philanthini
- Genus
- Philanthus (Beewolves)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forest edges, meadows, yards
Geographic Range
coast to coast in NA
Seasonal Activity
All season in the south; late Jun to mid-Sep in Canada
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on bees ( Sphecodes, Colletes etc.) and Crossocerus spp. Adults feed on nectar.
Life History
Females with prey: Colonies are small, but not close together, using any soil type, flat or steep earthen banks. Tunnels with ~7 cells to the side of the main tunnel. Each provsioned cell contains 8-16 bees, usually halictids. Occasionally 2 females will use the same tunnel opening, but each uses its own cells. Males dig small tunnels and close them, to sleep in during the night, usually in aggregations. Females keep nest closed and sleep in the tunnel at night.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philanthus gibbosus ( Fabricius 1775)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Philanthus gibbosus. 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 Philanthus gibbosus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Beatriz Moisset , v belov , lee_penner , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Philanthus gibbosus
What is Philanthus gibbosus?
Philanthus gibbosus is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Philanthus gibbosus?
8-10 mm
Where is Philanthus gibbosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forest edges, meadows, yards |
| Range | coast to coast in NA |
What does Philanthus gibbosus eat?
The diet of the Philanthus gibbosus includes larvae feed on bees ( Sphecodes, Colletes etc.) and Crossocerus spp. Adults feed on nectar..
When is Philanthus gibbosus active?
Philanthus gibbosus: seasonal activity - All season in the south; late Jun to mid-Sep in Canada.
What is the life cycle of a Philanthus gibbosus?
Females with prey: Colonies are small, but not close together, using any soil type, flat or steep earthen banks. Tunnels with ~7 cells to the side of the main tunnel. Each provsioned cell contains 8-16 bees, usually halictids. Occasionally 2 females will use the same tunnel opening, but each uses its own cells. Males dig small tunnels and close them, to sleep in during the night, usually in aggregations. Females keep nest closed and sleep in the tunnel at night.