Pseudomasaris wheeleri
This record describes Pseudomasaris wheeleri (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black, with sulphur-yellow markings, more extensive in southern specimens; mesonotum with two complete or interrupted longitudinal stripes (thoracic and abdominal pattern superficially resembles that of Vespula sulphurea - HW).
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
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larval food: pollen, gathered by female, moistened with some nectar, regurgitated from crop into cell where egg is deposited. Plants used for pollen: mostly Eriodictyon (Yerba Santa), incl. E. parryi (= Turricula parryi , Poodle-dog Bush) (Namaceae, formerly Hydrophyllaceae & Boraginaceae).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudomasaris wheeleri Bequaert 1929
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pseudomasaris wheeleri. 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 wheeleri (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Hartmut Wisch , Aaron Schusteff , v belov , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Pseudomasaris wheeleri
What is Pseudomasaris wheeleri?
Pseudomasaris wheeleri is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pseudomasaris wheeleri?
Black, with sulphur-yellow markings, more extensive in southern specimens; mesonotum with two complete or interrupted longitudinal stripes (thoracic and abdominal pattern superficially resembles that of Vespula sulphurea - HW).
Where is Pseudomasaris wheeleri found?
Range: CA-Baja
What does Pseudomasaris wheeleri eat?
The diet of the Pseudomasaris wheeleri includes Larval food: pollen, gathered by female, moistened with some nectar, regurgitated from crop into cell where egg is deposited. Plants used for pollen: mostly Eriodictyon (Yerba Santa), incl. E. parryi (= Turricula parryi , Poodle-dog Bush) (Namaceae, formerly Hydrophyllaceae & Boraginaceae)..