Pterocheilus denticulatus
This record describes Pterocheilus denticulatus (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Tergum 2 with a pair of scar-like longitudinal spots. Male with ventrally notched mid femur and apically expanded hind femur.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Pterocheilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Texas to Arizona
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pterocheilus denticulatus. 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 Pterocheilus denticulatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matthias Buck
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterocheilus denticulatus
What is Pterocheilus denticulatus?
Pterocheilus denticulatus is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pterocheilus denticulatus?
Tergum 2 with a pair of scar-like longitudinal spots. Male with ventrally notched mid femur and apically expanded hind femur.
Where is Pterocheilus denticulatus found?
Range: Texas to Arizona