Psorthaspis legata
This record describes Psorthaspis legata (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has some orange coloration on the head and two cream bands on the third and fourth abdominal segments. Wings banded instead of diffusely darkened. (Nick Fensler)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pompilinae
- Tribe
- Aporini
- Genus
- Psorthaspis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US to w. TX - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Psorthaspis legata (Cresson 1867)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Psorthaspis legata. 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 Psorthaspis legata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Herschel Raney; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Psorthaspis legata
What is Psorthaspis legata?
Psorthaspis legata is a species in the family Pompilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Psorthaspis legata?
This species has some orange coloration on the head and two cream bands on the third and fourth abdominal segments. Wings banded instead of diffusely darkened. (Nick Fensler)
Where is Psorthaspis legata found?
Range: se US to w. TX - Map
When is Psorthaspis legata active?
Psorthaspis legata: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov.