Protoxaea gloriosa
This record describes Protoxaea gloriosa (species). Recorded family: Andrenidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Andrenidae (Miner, Fairy, Allied Panurgine, and Oxaeine Bees)
- Subfamily
- Oxaeinae
- Genus
- Protoxaea
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deserts and xeric grasslands
Geographic Range
Southwest Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
Most numerous in late summer following monsoon rains
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Polylectic bee (generalist pollen/ nectar collector) frequenting especially Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), and Kallstroemia grandiflora (Arizona caltrop), both in Zygophyllaceae (Caltrop family). Other plants visited: Solanum elaeagnifolium , Solanum rostratum ( Solanaceae / Nightshade family), Calliandra schottii , Senna bauhinioides (formerly in genus Cassia ; both Calliandra and Senna in Legume family/ Fabaceae ) [see Cazier & Linsley, 1974, and Hurd & Linsley, 1975, references below]. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Fox, 1893
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Protoxaea gloriosa. 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 Protoxaea gloriosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset | Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Hartmut Wisch , JohnMaxwell22 , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Protoxaea gloriosa
Where is Protoxaea gloriosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deserts and xeric grasslands |
| Range | Southwest Discover Life Map |
What does Protoxaea gloriosa eat?
The diet of the Protoxaea gloriosa includes Polylectic bee (generalist pollen/ nectar collector) frequenting especially Larrea tridentata (creosote bush), and Kallstroemia grandiflora (Arizona caltrop), both in Zygophyllaceae (Caltrop family). Other plants visited: Solanum elaeagnifolium , Solanum rostratum ( Solanaceae / Nightshade family), Calliandra schottii , Senna bauhinioides (formerly in genus Cassia ; both Calliandra and Senna in Legume family/ Fabaceae ) [see Cazier & Linsley, 1974, and Hurd & Linsley, 1975, references below]. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Protoxaea gloriosa active?
Protoxaea gloriosa: seasonal activity - Most numerous in late summer following monsoon rains.