Sphacophilus cellularis
This record describes Sphacophilus cellularis (species). Recorded family: Argidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females have much more orange and simple antennae (Dave Smith, 2.viii.2009)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Argidae (Argid Sawflies)
- Subfamily
- Sterictiphorinae
- Genus
- Sphacophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (QC-FL to MN-SD-LA)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Hosts: Convolvulus, Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Sphacophilus cellularis. 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 Sphacophilus cellularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphacophilus cellularis
What is Sphacophilus cellularis?
Sphacophilus cellularis is a species in the family Argidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Sphacophilus cellularis?
avg. length: ♂ 4.6 mm, ♀ 5.8 mm
How do you identify Sphacophilus cellularis?
Females have much more orange and simple antennae (Dave Smith, 2.viii.2009)
Where is Sphacophilus cellularis found?
Range: e. US (QC-FL to MN-SD-LA)
What does Sphacophilus cellularis eat?
The diet of the Sphacophilus cellularis includes Hosts: Convolvulus, Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae).