Triepeolus distinctus
This record describes Triepeolus distinctus (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
Geographic Range
Georgia and Florida.
Seasonal Activity
May-October
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Often found on sunflowers, a floral host of its host bee
Life History
A cleptoparasite of Dieunomia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Cresson, 1878
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Triepeolus distinctus. 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 distinctus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Triepeolus distinctus
How big is Triepeolus distinctus?
Female: 13.5 mm.
Where is Triepeolus distinctus found?
Range: Georgia and Florida.
What does Triepeolus distinctus eat?
The diet of the Triepeolus distinctus includes Often found on sunflowers, a floral host of its host bee.
When is Triepeolus distinctus active?
Triepeolus distinctus: seasonal activity - May-October.
What is the life cycle of a Triepeolus distinctus?
A cleptoparasite of Dieunomia