Saddleback Scoliid Wasp
Pygodasis ephippium
This record describes Pygodasis ephippium (species). Recorded family: Scoliidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large, black scoliid with two broad orange bands on the abdomen. The body setae are black, unlike the orange-marked Dielis (female D. dorsata and D. tolteca ). Unlike most of our campsomerine species, the male has the same color pattern as the female. The two subspecies are separated based on wing coloration. P. e. ephippium is the dark-winged subspecies and occurs in our area. P. e. wagneriana is the light-winged subspecies and occurs in Central and South America. fast, evasive flyer
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Scolioidea
- Family
- Scoliidae (Scoliid Wasps)
- Tribe
- Campsomerini
- Genus
- Pygodasis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
moderately common from lowland subtropical thorn scrub to Quercus-Pinus woods at 1200 m in Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Geographic Range
se AZ & c. TX to Columbia [ map ] (Discover Life, BG data)
Seasonal Activity
two flights, early spring and fall (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pygodasis ephippium (Say 1837)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pygodasis ephippium. 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 Saddleback Scoliid Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by George Waldren; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Saddleback Scoliid Wasp
What is Saddleback Scoliid Wasp?
Saddleback Scoliid Wasp (Pygodasis ephippium) is a species in the family Scoliidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Saddleback Scoliid Wasp?
A large, black scoliid with two broad orange bands on the abdomen. The body setae are black, unlike the orange-marked Dielis (female D. dorsata and D. tolteca ). Unlike most of our campsomerine species, the male has the same color pattern as the female. The two subspecies are separated based on wing coloration. P. e. ephippium is the dark-winged subspecies and occurs in our area. P. e. wagneriana is the light-winged subspecies and occurs in Central and South America.
Where is Saddleback Scoliid Wasp found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | moderately common from lowland subtropical thorn scrub to Quercus-Pinus woods at 1200 m in Nuevo Leon, Mexico |
| Range | se AZ & c. TX to Columbia [ map ] (Discover Life, BG data) |
When is Saddleback Scoliid Wasp active?
Saddleback Scoliid Wasp: seasonal activity - two flights, early spring and fall (BG data).