Xiphydria maculata
This record describes Xiphydria maculata (species). Recorded family: Xiphydriidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females are readily identifiable by the combination of white antennae (only shared with X. polia ) and reddish-orange legs.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Family
- Xiphydriidae (Xiphydriid Wood Wasps)
- Genus
- Xiphydria
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Prefers maples. [comment by Dave Smith]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xiphydria maculata Say, 1836
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xiphydria maculata. 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 Xiphydria maculata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by ceiseman , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Xiphydria maculata
What is Xiphydria maculata?
Xiphydria maculata is a species in the family Xiphydriidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Xiphydria maculata?
Females are readily identifiable by the combination of white antennae (only shared with X. polia ) and reddish-orange legs.
What does Xiphydria maculata eat?
The diet of the Xiphydria maculata includes Prefers maples. [comment by Dave Smith].