Xerochares expulsus
This record describes Xerochares expulsus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pompilinae
- Tribe
- Pompilini
- Genus
- Xerochares
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Arid areas, especially Sonoran desert scrub.
Geographic Range
Southwestern US (s. CA and AZ) and parts of Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Records suggest it is on the wing year-round but the majority of records are from June-August.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Not known to visit flowers or honeydew. Prey is unknown.
Life History
The biology of this species is almost completely unknown. The strong tarsal comb suggest that it is fossorial but prey and nesting remain unreported.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xerochares expulsus. 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 Xerochares expulsus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Herschel Raney; Additional contributions by NFensler
Frequently Asked Questions About Xerochares expulsus
How big is Xerochares expulsus?
9-17 mm (female generally larger)
Where is Xerochares expulsus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arid areas, especially Sonoran desert scrub. |
| Range | Southwestern US (s. CA and AZ) and parts of Mexico |
What does Xerochares expulsus eat?
The diet of the Xerochares expulsus includes Not known to visit flowers or honeydew. Prey is unknown..
When is Xerochares expulsus active?
Xerochares expulsus: seasonal activity - Records suggest it is on the wing year-round but the majority of records are from June-August..
What is the life cycle of a Xerochares expulsus?
The biology of this species is almost completely unknown. The strong tarsal comb suggest that it is fossorial but prey and nesting remain unreported.