Xenoglossa strenua
This record describes Xenoglossa strenua (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
member of the subgenus Eoxenoglossa (2 spp., both restricted to the US & n. Mexico)
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
- Apinae
- Tribe
- Eucerini
- Genus
- Xenoglossa (Large Squash Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Scattered throughout US and Mexico Discover Life Map California, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The type locality is Texas.
Seasonal Activity
June, July and August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Pollen specialist on Cucurbita . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known associations based on specimen records and images.
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 Xenoglossa strenua. 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 Xenoglossa strenua (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Xenoglossa strenua
What is Xenoglossa strenua?
Xenoglossa strenua is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Xenoglossa strenua?
Female: 14-18 mm. Male 14-15.5 mm.
Where is Xenoglossa strenua found?
Range: Scattered throughout US and Mexico Discover Life Map California, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The type locality is Texas.
What does Xenoglossa strenua eat?
The diet of the Xenoglossa strenua includes Pollen specialist on Cucurbita . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Xenoglossa strenua active?
Xenoglossa strenua: seasonal activity - June, July and August..