Pristepyris fraternus
This record describes Pristepyris fraternus (species). Recorded family: Bethylidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to P. armifera. Compared to P. armifera, females of this species have a comparatively longer head that is strongly polished & non-alutaceous, while males have longer setulae on antennal segment 11 and the pronotum depressed along the posterior margin, as well as a distinct aedeagus. Evans's association of a female to this species was considered tentative.
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
Florida to Maryland, also Louisiana & Kansas.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Probably Coleoptera larvae, and perhaps Elateridae larvae (as in P. armifera), but host association is unknown.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pristepyris fraternus Evans, 1963; comb. by Azevedo et al..
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pristepyris fraternus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pristepyris fraternus
What is Pristepyris fraternus?
Pristepyris fraternus is a species in the family Bethylidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Pristepyris fraternus?
5.8 to 7.5 mm
How do you identify Pristepyris fraternus?
Similar to P. armifera. Compared to P. armifera, females of this species have a comparatively longer head that is strongly polished & non-alutaceous, while males have longer setulae on antennal segment 11 and the pronotum depressed along the posterior margin, as well as a distinct aedeagus. Evans's association of a female to this species was considered tentative.
Where is Pristepyris fraternus found?
Range: Florida to Maryland, also Louisiana & Kansas.
What does Pristepyris fraternus eat?
The diet of the Pristepyris fraternus includes Probably Coleoptera larvae, and perhaps Elateridae larvae (as in P. armifera), but host association is unknown..