Pristepyris ater
This record describes Pristepyris ater (species). Recorded family: Bethylidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Mandibles appearing rather straight, with teeth arranged distinctly in an oblique row ; at least the basal segments of the antennae appearing subserrate when viewed laterally ; aedaegus distinctly shaped, with boot-like apical dorsal valves.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chrysidoidea
- Family
- Bethylidae (Flat Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pristocerinae
- Genus
- Pristepyris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Mostly southern and eastern, NM-NC-FL.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Azevedo et al. 2018 incorrectly adjusted the gender ending of the species name to Pristepyris atrus Klug, 1810. The correct spelling is ater .
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pristepyris ater. 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 Pristepyris ater (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Arturo Santos; Additional contributions by Matthias Buck
Frequently Asked Questions About Pristepyris ater
What is Pristepyris ater?
Pristepyris ater is a species in the family Bethylidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pristepyris ater?
Mandibles appearing rather straight, with teeth arranged distinctly in an oblique row ; at least the basal segments of the antennae appearing subserrate when viewed laterally ; aedaegus distinctly shaped, with boot-like apical dorsal valves.
Where is Pristepyris ater found?
Range: Mostly southern and eastern, NM-NC-FL.