Pterocheilus diversicolor
This record describes Pterocheilus diversicolor (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Among members of Micropterocheilus (originally described as a subgenus, later elevated to genus in Bohart(1999) but currently treated as a subgenus on BugGuide), Bohart states that for species P. diversicolor : the orange and white markings of the abdomen together with the orange-yellow clypeus and legs are diagnostic. Note that the color patterns of P. diversicolor are sexually dimorphic: Rohwer's original description of the female can be read at this BHL link . Keys for male and female appear in Bohart (1940a) , and a brief description of the male and the female appears in Bohart (1940b) .
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
CA, NV (specimen, ID'd by Bohart mentioned here ).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pterocheilus diversicolor. 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 diversicolor (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterocheilus diversicolor
What is Pterocheilus diversicolor?
Pterocheilus diversicolor is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Pterocheilus diversicolor?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | 8-9mm |
| Male | 7.5mm |
How do you identify Pterocheilus diversicolor?
Among members of Micropterocheilus (originally described as a subgenus, later elevated to genus in Bohart(1999) but currently treated as a subgenus on BugGuide), Bohart states that for species P. diversicolor : the orange and white markings of the abdomen together with the orange-yellow clypeus and legs are diagnostic. Note that the color patterns of P. diversicolor are sexually dimorphic:
Where is Pterocheilus diversicolor found?
Range: CA, NV (specimen, ID'd by Bohart mentioned here ).