Sclerogibba talpiformis
This record describes Sclerogibba talpiformis (species). Recorded family: Sclerogibbidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Reddish fore-body, longitudinal furrow on propodeum, lack of a longitudinal furrow on the pronotum, widely separated lateral ocelli, and complete notauli.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Chrysidoidea
- Family
- Sclerogibbidae
- Genus
- Sclerogibba
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
In our area, has been reported from Florida and Texas.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Ectoparasitoids on webspinners.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Sclerogibba talpiformis. 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 Sclerogibba talpiformis
What is Sclerogibba talpiformis?
Sclerogibba talpiformis is a species in the family Sclerogibbidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Sclerogibba talpiformis?
Females: 3.5 to 6 mm
How do you identify Sclerogibba talpiformis?
Reddish fore-body, longitudinal furrow on propodeum, lack of a longitudinal furrow on the pronotum, widely separated lateral ocelli, and complete notauli.
Where is Sclerogibba talpiformis found?
Range: In our area, has been reported from Florida and Texas.
What does Sclerogibba talpiformis eat?
The diet of the Sclerogibba talpiformis includes Ectoparasitoids on webspinners..