Xeralictus biscuspidariae
This record describes Xeralictus biscuspidariae (species). Recorded family: Halictidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are fooled into visiting flowers of Mohavea confertiflora , which offer no nectar reward but mimic flowers of the females pollen hosts in the genus Mentzelia (e.g. M. involucrata ). The Mohavea flowers even have a dark spot at the center of the flower, which resembles a females abdomen...making them even more effective in drawing the interest of the males. For more details, see this UC Riverside web page .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Halictidae (Sweat, Furrow, Nomiine, and Short-faced Bees)
- Subfamily
- Rophitinae
- Genus
- Xeralictus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.e. CA, AZ, s. NV. (and Baja California, Mexico) Discover Life Map
Seasonal Activity
March - early May
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Females of Xeralictus bicuspidariae collect pollen from flowers in the genus Mentzelia (family Loasaceae). Species recorded include: Mentzelia involucrata , M. tricuspis , and M. hirsutissimus . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "The name of this species reflects the association of X. bicuspidariae with the Bicuspidaria Section of the genus Mentzelia ."
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xeralictus biscuspidariae. 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 Xeralictus biscuspidariae (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Aaron Schusteff; Additional contributions by hg , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Xeralictus biscuspidariae
What is Xeralictus biscuspidariae?
Xeralictus biscuspidariae is a species in the family Halictidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Xeralictus biscuspidariae found?
Range: s.e. CA, AZ, s. NV. (and Baja California, Mexico) Discover Life Map
What does Xeralictus biscuspidariae eat?
The diet of the Xeralictus biscuspidariae includes Females of Xeralictus bicuspidariae collect pollen from flowers in the genus Mentzelia (family Loasaceae). Species recorded include: Mentzelia involucrata , M. tricuspis , and M. hirsutissimus . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Xeralictus biscuspidariae active?
Xeralictus biscuspidariae: seasonal activity - March - early May.