Trachusa timberlakei
This record describes Trachusa timberlakei (species). Recorded family: Megachilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Once considered a subspecies of T. zebratum , which it resembles. Although widespread, apparently is locally uncommon.
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
According to Grigarick and Stange 1968, "It is widespread in the foothills of major mountain ranges of California and has also been observed from western Nevada and southern Oregon." Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
Mid-late spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: 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 Trachusa timberlakei. 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 timberlakei (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Keng-Lou James Hung; Additional contributions by John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Trachusa timberlakei
What is Trachusa timberlakei?
Trachusa timberlakei is a species in the family Megachilidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Trachusa timberlakei found?
Range: According to Grigarick and Stange 1968, It is widespread in the foothills of major mountain ranges of California and has also been observed from western Nevada and southern Oregon. Discover Life Map
What does Trachusa timberlakei eat?
The diet of the Trachusa timberlakei includes The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Trachusa timberlakei active?
Trachusa timberlakei: seasonal activity - Mid-late spring.