Pacific Cicada-killer Wasp
Sphecius convallis
This record describes Sphecius convallis (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
In females: Punctation density in the middle of T2 is less dense compared to T1. In the similarly-colored S. grandis , this is approximately equal. In males: Antennal segments II-IV are not curved ventrally (at the tyloids/ sensory organs) in S. convallis , so the segments look more tube-like. In S. grandis antennal segments II-IV not curved ventrally, and are bead-like. Specimens usually have less extensive yellow markings in S. convallis , typically not exceeding T4 (99.7% of specimens). In S. grandis , yellow markings typically exceed T4 (97.0% of specimens).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Crabronidae (Square-headed Wasps, Sand Wasps, and Allies)
- Subfamily
- Bembicinae
- Tribe
- Bembicini
- Genus
- Sphecius (Cicada-killer Wasps)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w. US to w. TX (AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA) / w. Mex.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphecius convallis Patton, 1879
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Sphecius convallis. 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 Pacific Cicada-killer Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , Mike Quinn , PaleoJon , bdagley
Frequently Asked Questions About Pacific Cicada-killer Wasp
What is Pacific Cicada-killer Wasp?
Pacific Cicada-killer Wasp (Sphecius convallis) is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Pacific Cicada-killer Wasp?
In females: Punctation density in the middle of T2 is less dense compared to T1. In the similarly-colored S. grandis , this is approximately equal. In males: Antennal segments II-IV are not curved ventrally (at the tyloids/ sensory organs) in S. convallis , so the segments look more tube-like. In S. grandis antennal segments II-IV not curved ventrally, and are bead-like. Specimens usually have less extensive yellow markings in S. convallis , typically not exceeding T4 (99.7% of specimens). In S. grandis , yellow markings typically exceed T4 (97.0% of specimens).
Where is Pacific Cicada-killer Wasp found?
Range: w. US to w. TX (AZ, CA, CO, ID, NM, NV, OR, TX, UT, WA) / w. Mex.