Pseneo simplicicornis
This record describes Pseneo simplicicornis (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Separated from other members of its genus by the following combination of traits: clypeus with silvery vestiture, antennal scapes dark, scutellum punctate, petiole black (rarely with reddish tinge in teneral individuals), legs black with bright orange to fulvous-yellow tarsi. Males are further separated by the tyloids of flagellomeres 4-10 being large and rounded with scattered punctures. These segments thus differ significantly from the rest of the flagellum, giving the antenna a distinctive and strongly-rounded profile.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Crabronidae (Square-headed Wasps, Sand Wasps, and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Pemphredoninae
- Tribe
- Psenini
- Genus
- Pseneo
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
from QC, NJ and PA. south to NC ( 3 )
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pseneo simplicicornis. 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 Pseneo simplicicornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jonathan Hoskins
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseneo simplicicornis
What is Pseneo simplicicornis?
Pseneo simplicicornis is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pseneo simplicicornis?
Separated from other members of its genus by the following combination of traits: clypeus with silvery vestiture, antennal scapes dark, scutellum punctate, petiole black (rarely with reddish tinge in teneral individuals), legs black with bright orange to fulvous-yellow tarsi. Males are further separated by the tyloids of flagellomeres 4-10 being large and rounded with scattered punctures. These segments thus differ significantly from the rest of the flagellum, giving the antenna a distinctive and strongly-rounded profile.
Where is Pseneo simplicicornis found?
Range: from QC, NJ and PA. south to NC ( 3 )