Priocnessus nuperus
This record describes Priocnessus nuperus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females have a row of teeth on the dorsal side of hind tibiae. ♀ ♂
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
- Priocnessus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Varied, from open woods and woodland edges to semi-arid grasslands, etc.
Geographic Range
Transcontinental as a genus. Fairly widespread.
Seasonal Activity
In the north this genus is found mid-summer to early autumn (approximately June to September). They have a longer flight period in the south.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: They apparently rarely visit flowers. They provision nests with Agelenid spiders
Life History
One generation per year in northern states.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Priocnessus nuperus. 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 Priocnessus nuperus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Priocnessus nuperus
What is Priocnessus nuperus?
Priocnessus nuperus is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Priocnessus nuperus?
Females have a row of teeth on the dorsal side of hind tibiae. ♀ ♂
Where is Priocnessus nuperus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Varied, from open woods and woodland edges to semi-arid grasslands, etc. |
| Range | Transcontinental as a genus. Fairly widespread. |
What does Priocnessus nuperus eat?
The diet of the Priocnessus nuperus includes They apparently rarely visit flowers. They provision nests with Agelenid spiders.
When is Priocnessus nuperus active?
Priocnessus nuperus: seasonal activity - In the north this genus is found mid-summer to early autumn (approximately June to September). They have a longer flight period in the south..
What is the life cycle of a Priocnessus nuperus?
One generation per year in northern states.