Priocnemis minorata
This record describes Priocnemis minorata (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Prominent teeth on dorsal edge of hind tibiae.
Wikipedia reference for Priocnemis minorata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priocnemis_minorata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pepsinae
- Tribe
- Priocnemini
- Genus
- Priocnemis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Seasonal Activity
Adults active in early spring.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Priocnemis minorata. 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 Priocnemis minorata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Priocnemis minorata
What is Priocnemis minorata?
Priocnemis minorata is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Priocnemis minorata?
Prominent teeth on dorsal edge of hind tibiae.
When is Priocnemis minorata active?
Priocnemis minorata: seasonal activity - Adults active in early spring..