Stelis lateralis
This record describes Stelis lateralis (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Parasitizes (Alcidamea simplex ) Robertsonella simplex (Cresson); Hoplitis pilosifrons and H. producta
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Megachilidae (Leafcutter, Mason, and Resin Bees, and allies)
- Subfamily
- Megachilinae
- Tribe
- Anthidiini
- Genus
- Stelis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
North Dakota to Ontario and Maine, south to Georgia Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
March to July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Includes Chrysanthemum and Rubus. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Stelis lateralis. 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 Stelis lateralis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Stelis lateralis
What is Stelis lateralis?
Stelis lateralis is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Stelis lateralis?
Female 5-6 mm. Male 6-7 mm.
Where is Stelis lateralis found?
Range: North Dakota to Ontario and Maine, south to Georgia Discover Life Map
What does Stelis lateralis eat?
The diet of the Stelis lateralis includes Includes Chrysanthemum and Rubus. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Stelis lateralis active?
Stelis lateralis: seasonal activity - March to July.