Triepeolus brittaini
This record describes Triepeolus brittaini (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Apidae (Cuckoo, Carpenter, Digger, Bumble, and Honey Bees)
- Subfamily
- Nomadinae
- Tribe
- Epeolini
- Genus
- Triepeolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Meadows with goldenrod and other composites
Geographic Range
Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
late-summer and fall
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Recorded on Epilobium A cleptoparasite of Melissodes (Eumelissodes)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Cockerell, 1931
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Triepeolus brittaini. 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 Triepeolus brittaini (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Triepeolus brittaini
How big is Triepeolus brittaini?
10 mm
Where is Triepeolus brittaini found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Meadows with goldenrod and other composites |
| Range | Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Discover Life Map |
What does Triepeolus brittaini eat?
The diet of the Triepeolus brittaini includes Recorded on Epilobium A cleptoparasite of Melissodes (Eumelissodes).
When is Triepeolus brittaini active?
Triepeolus brittaini: seasonal activity - late-summer and fall.