Trachusa cordaticeps
This record describes Trachusa cordaticeps (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Extensively red markings very distinctive Color pattern matches that of some Eumeninae, Cercerini and other wasps
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
- Trachusa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US & Mexico ( map )
Seasonal Activity
late summer especially
Diet and Behavior
Diet: sunflowers and other composites
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trachusa cordaticeps (Michener 1949)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Trachusa cordaticeps. 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 Trachusa cordaticeps (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Trachusa cordaticeps
What is Trachusa cordaticeps?
Trachusa cordaticeps is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Trachusa cordaticeps?
Extensively red markings very distinctive
Where is Trachusa cordaticeps found?
Range: sw US & Mexico ( map )
What does Trachusa cordaticeps eat?
The diet of the Trachusa cordaticeps includes sunflowers and other composites.
When is Trachusa cordaticeps active?
Trachusa cordaticeps: seasonal activity - late summer especially.