Poecilopompilus interruptus
This record describes Poecilopompilus interruptus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species may be separated from others within its genus by the following combination: eyes not strongly convergent above, forelegs of the female with dentate claws, clypeus of the male with the lower margin truncate (not rounded), and propodeum usually with a single transverse posterior yellow stripe (never two longitudinal stripes). Our subspecies are separated as follows: Frank Kurczewski notes that some specimens from Florida represent an atypical color variant that lacks much of the yellow coloration on the abdomen and other body parts that typical Florida P. interruptus has.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pompilinae
- Tribe
- Pompilini
- Genus
- Poecilopompilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
transcontinental
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Poecilopompilus interruptus (Say 1835)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Poecilopompilus interruptus. 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 Poecilopompilus interruptus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Poecilopompilus interruptus
What is Poecilopompilus interruptus?
Poecilopompilus interruptus is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Poecilopompilus interruptus?
This species may be separated from others within its genus by the following combination: eyes not strongly convergent above, forelegs of the female with dentate claws, clypeus of the male with the lower margin truncate (not rounded), and propodeum usually with a single transverse posterior yellow stripe (never two longitudinal stripes). Our subspecies are separated as follows:
Where is Poecilopompilus interruptus found?
Range: transcontinental