Pristaulacus auricomus
This record describes Pristaulacus auricomus (species). Recorded family: Aulacidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Species diagnosis by David Smith: Head and body with golden pubescence, with black and yellow pattern. |
| Wings | Wings with anterior half dark brown, posterior half paler to hyaline. |
| Head | Head shining. Mesonotum with transverse carinae. Hind coxa shining with cross striations at posterior. The yellow markings on the thorax form a circular arrangement of 6 spots: 2 spots on either side of the pronotum; 2 lateral spots on each upper metapleuron; 2 spots on each lateral lobe of the mesoscutum. The propodeum additionally has a horseshoe-shaped mark outlining the upper surface of the insertion of the petiole. Seemingly a mimic of Sceliphron caementarium , the yellow-legged mud-dauber wasp. |
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Evanioidea
- Family
- Aulacidae (Aulacid Wasps)
- Genus
- Pristaulacus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ; primary range from Mexico to Honduras
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pristaulacus auricomus Smith, 2008
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pristaulacus auricomus. 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 Pristaulacus auricomus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Pristaulacus auricomus
What is Pristaulacus auricomus?
Pristaulacus auricomus is a species in the family Aulacidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Pristaulacus auricomus?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 16.0 mm body length; 12.0 mm forewing; 14.0 mm ovipositor |
| Male | 14.5 body length; 10.0 mm forewing |
How do you identify Pristaulacus auricomus?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Additional details | Species diagnosis by David Smith: Head and body with golden pubescence, with black and yellow pattern. |
| Wings | Wings with anterior half dark brown, posterior half paler to hyaline. |
| Head | Head shining. Mesonotum with transverse carinae. Hind coxa shining with cross striations at posterior. The yellow markings on the thorax form a circular arrangement of 6 spots: 2 spots on either side of the pronotum; 2 lateral spots on each upper metapleuron; 2 spots on each lateral lobe of the mesoscutum. The propodeum additionally has a horseshoe-shaped mark outlining the upper surface of the insertion of the petiole. |
Where is Pristaulacus auricomus found?
Range: AZ; primary range from Mexico to Honduras