Symmorphus bifasciatus
This record describes Symmorphus bifasciatus (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This species has a black and yellow banded abdomen. Adults seem to prefer damp places, often near streams and ditches, and their flight paths are associated with patches of foliage in full sunlight. May to October; but mainly from June to August, with July being the peak month. Preys on beetle larvae which are taken to the nest and stored in larval chambers. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Vespidae
- Genus
- Symmorphus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults seem to prefer damp places, often near streams and ditches, and their flight paths are associated with patches of foliage in full sunlight.
Seasonal Activity
May to October; but mainly from June to August, with July being the peak month.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Preys on beetle larvae which are taken to the nest and stored in larval chambers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Symmorphus bifasciatus. 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 Symmorphus bifasciatus (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Symmorphus bifasciatus
What is Symmorphus bifasciatus?
Symmorphus bifasciatus is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Symmorphus bifasciatus found?
Habitat: Adults seem to prefer damp places, often near streams and ditches, and their flight paths are associated with patches of foliage in full sunlight.
When is Symmorphus bifasciatus active?
Symmorphus bifasciatus: seasonal activity - May to October; but mainly from June to August, with July being the peak month..
What is the life cycle of a Symmorphus bifasciatus?
Preys on beetle larvae which are taken to the nest and stored in larval chambers.