Poecilopompilus mixtus
This record describes Poecilopompilus mixtus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Differs from P. interruptus in having a pair of (more or less expanded) longitudinal yellow stripes on the propodeum. In P. interruptus , there is only one transverse posterior yellow stripe. An additional character of diagnostic value might be the longitudinal yellow stripe that bisects the black mark of the frons between the antennal bases and the ocelli. Also in P. interruptus , the black frontal mark is solid.
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
South Texas (previously known from Brownsville area, BG records are significantly farther north). Widespread in the Neotropics (Mexico to Brazil, Antilles; various subspecies)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Poecilopompilus mixtus (Fabricius 1794)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Poecilopompilus mixtus. 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 mixtus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthias Buck; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Poecilopompilus mixtus
What is Poecilopompilus mixtus?
Poecilopompilus mixtus is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Poecilopompilus mixtus?
Differs from P. interruptus in having a pair of (more or less expanded) longitudinal yellow stripes on the propodeum. In P. interruptus , there is only one transverse posterior yellow stripe. An additional character of diagnostic value might be the longitudinal yellow stripe that bisects the black mark of the frons between the antennal bases and the ocelli. Also in P. interruptus , the black frontal mark is solid.
Where is Poecilopompilus mixtus found?
Range: South Texas (previously known from Brownsville area, BG records are significantly farther north). Widespread in the Neotropics (Mexico to Brazil, Antilles; various subspecies)