Rhogogaster nr-viridis
This record describes Rhogogaster nr-viridis (species). Recorded family: Tenthredinidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Separated from R. californica as follows: Head with frontal groove much shallower than antennal groove; antennal crests aligned with raised edge of frontal area. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Tenthredinidae (Common Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Tenthredininae
- Tribe
- Tenthredinini
- Genus
- Rhogogaster
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
western (YT & AK south to MB, MT, & CA) ( 4 )
Seasonal Activity
The population originally described as R. ruga was reported in July while the population originally described as R. respectus was reported in December.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Rhogogaster nr-viridis. 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 Rhogogaster nr-viridis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhogogaster nr-viridis
What is Rhogogaster nr-viridis?
Rhogogaster nr-viridis is a species in the family Tenthredinidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Rhogogaster nr-viridis?
Separated from R. californica as follows: Head with frontal groove much shallower than antennal groove; antennal crests aligned with raised edge of frontal area. ( 3 )
Where is Rhogogaster nr-viridis found?
Range: western (YT & AK south to MB, MT, & CA) ( 4 )
When is Rhogogaster nr-viridis active?
Rhogogaster nr-viridis: seasonal activity - The population originally described as R. ruga was reported in July while the population originally described as R. respectus was reported in December..