Tachysphex pechumani
This record describes Tachysphex pechumani (species). Recorded family: Crabronidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Our only member of the genus in which the female has orange antennae
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
- Crabroninae
- Tribe
- Larrini
- Genus
- Tachysphex
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
pine barrens
Geographic Range
ON‒MI to NJ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tachysphex pechumani Krombein 1938
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Tachysphex pechumani. 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 Tachysphex pechumani (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Tachysphex pechumani
What is Tachysphex pechumani?
Tachysphex pechumani is a species in the family Crabronidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Tachysphex pechumani?
BL ♀ 8.3‒12.1 mm, ♂ 6.0‒9,7 mm; forewing ♀ 5.2‒7.4 mm, ♂ 4.1‒5.8
How do you identify Tachysphex pechumani?
Our only member of the genus in which the female has orange antennae
Where is Tachysphex pechumani found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | pine barrens |
| Range | ON‒MI to NJ |