Triepeolus kathrynae
This record describes Triepeolus kathrynae (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hairs yellower (less white) than T. grandis http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/handle/2246/5111
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
Deserts and nearby canyons
Geographic Range
AZ, NM, TX, Mexico Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
Mostly late summer
Diet and Behavior
Diet: A cleptoparasite of Protoxaea
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rozen, 1989 Named in celebration of the describer's granddaughter Kathryn Gail Rozen-Gagnon
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Triepeolus kathrynae. 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 kathrynae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by hg; Additional contributions by John S. Ascher , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Triepeolus kathrynae
What is Triepeolus kathrynae?
Triepeolus kathrynae is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Triepeolus kathrynae?
smaller on average than T. grandis
How do you identify Triepeolus kathrynae?
Hairs yellower (less white) than T. grandis
Where is Triepeolus kathrynae found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deserts and nearby canyons |
| Range | AZ, NM, TX, Mexico Discover Life Map |
What does Triepeolus kathrynae eat?
The diet of the Triepeolus kathrynae includes A cleptoparasite of Protoxaea.
When is Triepeolus kathrynae active?
Triepeolus kathrynae: seasonal activity - Mostly late summer.