Prionyx fervens
This record describes Prionyx fervens (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large size, lack of silvery markings on thorax and head plus dark, violaceous wings separates this species easily from all others. Females of this species are *very* large.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Sphecidae (Thread-waisted Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Sphecinae
- Tribe
- Prionychini
- Genus
- Prionyx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Texas to southern California, plus the West Indies, Central America and part of South America.
Seasonal Activity
Adults from early July to early September in southeast Arizona.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Prionyx fervens. 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 Prionyx fervens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Prionyx fervens
What is Prionyx fervens?
Prionyx fervens is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Prionyx fervens?
Large size, lack of silvery markings on thorax and head plus dark, violaceous wings separates this species easily from all others. Females of this species are *very* large.
Where is Prionyx fervens found?
Range: Texas to southern California, plus the West Indies, Central America and part of South America.
When is Prionyx fervens active?
Prionyx fervens: seasonal activity - Adults from early July to early September in southeast Arizona..