Stigmus pendulus
This record describes Stigmus pendulus (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Most solitary bees and wasps are difficult to identify, and can rarely be identified from photos taken in the field. All red-rated records should include a photo or set of photos of the specimen, illustrating the key characters taken from a standard key, which should also be referenced (e.g. ‘Falk, 2015’). The full set of key characters are generally not visible in field photos and photos are rarely sharp enough. To aid in the verification of your records, please include face shot, side, top and wings. The notes should state whether male or female, and explain how the specimen met the key characters. Although NS may not be able to identify the species even if these reference photos are provided, the photos will be stored with the record and may allow it be identified in future. Alternatively, NS will accept records identified by a recognised local or national expert, or that have been identified via BWARS Facebook Group . If you have obtained this advice, please note the name of the person/organisation identifying the record in the ‘determiner’ field (e.g. ‘Stuart Roberts, BWARS Facebook’) rather than just a comment of ‘BWARS Facebook’. Generally found associated with twigs or dead timber, including fence posts where wood-boring beetles have left holes. The very limited data suggests the flight period is July and August, with a few records extending into September and occasional records from the second half of June. Possible nesting sites are the small holes left by wood-boring beetles in standing dead wood or damaged trunk sections of Pedunculate Oak. Widespread in the Home Counties and spreading northwards through the central midlands, with scattered records from Dorset to Shropshire, Lancashire, County Durham, Yorkshire and East Anglia. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Crabronidae
- Genus
- Stigmus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Generally found associated with twigs or dead timber, including fence posts where wood-boring beetles have left holes.
Seasonal Activity
The very limited data suggests the flight period is July and August, with a few records extending into September and occasional records from the second half of June.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Possible nesting sites are the small holes left by wood-boring beetles in standing dead wood or damaged trunk sections of Pedunculate Oak.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the Home Counties and spreading northwards through the central midlands, with scattered records from Dorset to Shropshire, Lancashire, County Durham, Yorkshire and East Anglia.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Stigmus pendulus. 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 Stigmus pendulus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Stigmus pendulus
What is Stigmus pendulus?
Stigmus pendulus is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Stigmus pendulus found?
Habitat: Generally found associated with twigs or dead timber, including fence posts where wood-boring beetles have left holes.
When is Stigmus pendulus active?
Stigmus pendulus: seasonal activity - The very limited data suggests the flight period is July and August, with a few records extending into September and occasional records from the second half of June..
What is the life cycle of a Stigmus pendulus?
Possible nesting sites are the small holes left by wood-boring beetles in standing dead wood or damaged trunk sections of Pedunculate Oak.
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