Pseudomasaris macswaini
This record describes Pseudomasaris macswaini (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to P. edwardsii , but females have yellow spot above the tegula and antennae all black except small yellow spots on scape; in males, antennae mostly black and not concave below
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Masarinae
- Genus
- Pseudomasaris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
CA-Baja
Seasonal Activity
Mar-May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Phacelia sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudomasaris macswaini Bohart 1963
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pseudomasaris macswaini. 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 Pseudomasaris macswaini (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nathaniel Green; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudomasaris macswaini
What is Pseudomasaris macswaini?
Pseudomasaris macswaini is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pseudomasaris macswaini?
Similar to P. edwardsii , but females have yellow spot above the tegula and antennae all black except small yellow spots on scape; in males, antennae mostly black and not concave below
Where is Pseudomasaris macswaini found?
Range: CA-Baja
What does Pseudomasaris macswaini eat?
The diet of the Pseudomasaris macswaini includes Phacelia sp..
When is Pseudomasaris macswaini active?
Pseudomasaris macswaini: seasonal activity - Mar-May.