Xylocopa griswoldi
This record describes Xylocopa griswoldi (species). Recorded family: Apidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Can be identified with reference to wing color, shape of the scutellum, and distribution Confounded in many publications with X. mexicanorum
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
- Xylocopinae
- Genus
- Xylocopa (Large Carpenter Bees)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX to Veracruz
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Recorded on Ehretia anacua . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Named in honor of bee expert Terry Griswold
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Xylocopa griswoldi. 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 Xylocopa griswoldi (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Xylocopa griswoldi
What is Xylocopa griswoldi?
Xylocopa griswoldi is a species in the family Apidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How do you identify Xylocopa griswoldi?
Can be identified with reference to wing color, shape of the scutellum, and distribution
Where is Xylocopa griswoldi found?
Range: TX to Veracruz
What does Xylocopa griswoldi eat?
The diet of the Xylocopa griswoldi includes Recorded on Ehretia anacua . The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known associations based on specimen records and images..