Probethylus callani
This record describes Probethylus callani (species). Recorded family: Sclerogibbidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chrysidoidea
- Family
- Sclerogibbidae
- Genus
- Probethylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
In the Nearctic, recorded from Arizona, California, and Texas. Also ranges south through Central America and South America. Additional records from Africa and Yemen.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: In our area, it has been reared from Dactylocerca ashworthi Ross (Embiidina: Anisembiidae). Across its range, it has been reared from many genera in various families.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named after the collector of the type series, Mr. E. McC. Callan.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Probethylus callani. 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 Probethylus callani (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Probethylus callani
How big is Probethylus callani?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 1.25 mm to 5 mm |
| Male | 1.4 to 4.4 mm |
Where is Probethylus callani found?
Range: In the Nearctic, recorded from Arizona, California, and Texas. Also ranges south through Central America and South America. Additional records from Africa and Yemen.
What does Probethylus callani eat?
The diet of the Probethylus callani includes In our area, it has been reared from Dactylocerca ashworthi Ross (Embiidina: Anisembiidae). Across its range, it has been reared from many genera in various families..