Xenoglossodes wilmattae
This record describes Xenoglossodes wilmattae (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Type Locality: Port Isabel, Cameron Co., Texas (Cockerell, 1917)
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
- Xenoglossodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NM to c. TX / Mex. - Map (Discover Life)
Seasonal Activity
March through December but chiefly in April and May ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
probably specialist pollinators on Asteraceae ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tetraloniella wilmattae (Cockerell)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xenoglossodes wilmattae. 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 Xenoglossodes wilmattae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John S. Ascher; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Xenoglossodes wilmattae
What is Xenoglossodes wilmattae?
Xenoglossodes wilmattae is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Xenoglossodes wilmattae?
7-10 mm ( 3 )
Where is Xenoglossodes wilmattae found?
Range: NM to c. TX / Mex. - Map (Discover Life)
When is Xenoglossodes wilmattae active?
Xenoglossodes wilmattae: seasonal activity - March through December but chiefly in April and May ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Xenoglossodes wilmattae?
probably specialist pollinators on Asteraceae ( 3 )