Philanthus lepidus
This record describes Philanthus lepidus (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
Sand dunes and sand blow-out banks with little vegetation
Seasonal Activity
July to early September in Ontario
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larvae feed on Halictid bees, especially Lasioglossum, Agapostemon , &c.
Life History
Nests in large, tight aggregations in sand banks, and females will create false cells in the nest, which remain unplugged. Nests to 24 cm deep. The true cells are closed when the female is away. Each cell has from 9 to 11 bees. Egg is laid on top bee of the pile. Bee has underside facing up.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Philanthus lepidus Cresson 1865
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Philanthus lepidus. 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 lepidus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov , lee_penner
Frequently Asked Questions About Philanthus lepidus
How big is Philanthus lepidus?
8-10 mm
Where is Philanthus lepidus found?
Habitat: Sand dunes and sand blow-out banks with little vegetation
What does Philanthus lepidus eat?
The diet of the Philanthus lepidus includes Larvae feed on Halictid bees, especially Lasioglossum, Agapostemon , &c..
When is Philanthus lepidus active?
Philanthus lepidus: seasonal activity - July to early September in Ontario.
What is the life cycle of a Philanthus lepidus?
Nests in large, tight aggregations in sand banks, and females will create false cells in the nest, which remain unplugged. Nests to 24 cm deep. The true cells are closed when the female is away. Each cell has from 9 to 11 bees. Egg is laid on top bee of the pile. Bee has underside facing up.