Xeris morrisoni
This record describes Xeris morrisoni (species). Recorded family: Siricidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Siricidae (Horntail Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Tremecinae
- Genus
- Xeris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
"Forested regions of southwestern United States"
Seasonal Activity
Adults fly in June and July
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Conifers, especially Abies concolor (white fir).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xeris morrisoni. 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 Xeris morrisoni (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr
Frequently Asked Questions About Xeris morrisoni
Where is Xeris morrisoni found?
Range: Forested regions of southwestern United States
What does Xeris morrisoni eat?
The diet of the Xeris morrisoni includes Conifers, especially Abies concolor (white fir)..
When is Xeris morrisoni active?
Xeris morrisoni: seasonal activity - Adults fly in June and July.