Sapyga martinii
This record describes Sapyga martinii (species). Recorded family: Sapygidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Sapygidae (Club-horned Wasps)
- Genus
- Sapyga
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Forest edges, meadows, marsh edges.
Geographic Range
Canada: Ontario, Quebec. USA – New Hampshire, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Washington.
Seasonal Activity
Late Apr to early Jul
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae are parasitic on most Osmia spp. (not O. caerulescens ) and the small potter wasp Symmorphus cristatus . Females lay an egg by piercing the cell wall. When the egg hatches, it eats the host egg and provisions. When mature, larva form a cocoon developing into adult form, and over-winter as an adult still in the cocoon. One generation per year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sapyga martinii Smith 1855
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Sapyga martinii. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapyga martinii
How big is Sapyga martinii?
♀ 10 mm, ♂ 8 mm
Where is Sapyga martinii found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Forest edges, meadows, marsh edges. |
| Range | Canada: Ontario, Quebec. USA – New Hampshire, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Washington. |
When is Sapyga martinii active?
Sapyga martinii: seasonal activity - Late Apr to early Jul.
What is the life cycle of a Sapyga martinii?
Larvae are parasitic on most Osmia spp. (not O. caerulescens ) and the small potter wasp Symmorphus cristatus . Females lay an egg by piercing the cell wall. When the egg hatches, it eats the host egg and provisions. When mature, larva form a cocoon developing into adult form, and over-winter as an adult still in the cocoon. One generation per year.