Zikanapis elegans
This record describes Zikanapis elegans (species). Recorded family: Colletidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Colletidae (Cellophane, Plasterer, Masked, and Allied Bees)
- Subfamily
- Diphaglossinae
- Genus
- Zikanapis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Canyons of SE Arizona (esp. Chiricahuas and Huachucas) and Mexico
Geographic Range
Arizona, Mexico Discover Life Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Reported on the flowers of Salvia sp.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Zikanapis elegans (Timberlake, 1965)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Zikanapis elegans. 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 Zikanapis elegans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by margarethe brummermann; Additional contributions by John S. Ascher , hg , PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Zikanapis elegans
How big is Zikanapis elegans?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Female | Length 16-18mm; Wing 11.5-12mm |
| Male | Length 15-17mm; Wing 12.5-13mm |
Where is Zikanapis elegans found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Canyons of SE Arizona (esp. Chiricahuas and Huachucas) and Mexico |
| Range | Arizona, Mexico Discover Life Map |
What does Zikanapis elegans eat?
The diet of the Zikanapis elegans includes Reported on the flowers of Salvia sp..