Pseudodynerus quadrisectus
This record describes Pseudodynerus quadrisectus (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Note two white bands on abdomen, very short petiole between thorax and abdomen, not long, as in Eumenes .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Pseudodynerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
deciduous forests and nearby open areas
Geographic Range
Eastern United States: New Jersey south to Florida; west to Ohio, eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas. Subspecies aztecus is found in Mexico, south to Costa Rica.
Seasonal Activity
June-September (North Carolina)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Often found taking nectar from flowers.
Life History
Nests in borings made in wood, preys on caterpillars.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pseudodynerus quadrisectus. 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 Pseudodynerus quadrisectus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by cotinis , Matthias Buck , Bbarnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudodynerus quadrisectus
What is Pseudodynerus quadrisectus?
Pseudodynerus quadrisectus is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Pseudodynerus quadrisectus?
circa 15 mm length; forewing 12-16 mm (female), 10-13 mm (male)
How do you identify Pseudodynerus quadrisectus?
Note two white bands on abdomen, very short petiole between thorax and abdomen, not long, as in Eumenes .
Where is Pseudodynerus quadrisectus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | deciduous forests and nearby open areas |
| Range | Eastern United States: New Jersey south to Florida; west to Ohio, eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas. Subspecies aztecus is found in Mexico, south to Costa Rica. |
What does Pseudodynerus quadrisectus eat?
The diet of the Pseudodynerus quadrisectus includes Often found taking nectar from flowers..
When is Pseudodynerus quadrisectus active?
Pseudodynerus quadrisectus: seasonal activity - June-September (North Carolina).
What is the life cycle of a Pseudodynerus quadrisectus?
Nests in borings made in wood, preys on caterpillars.