Symplecta cana
(Walker, 1848)
Symplecta cana is a in the , subgenus Symplecta stricto. It has a broad distribution across northern North America, extending from Alaska and Canada southward throughout the contiguous United States, and reaching into Mexico and Guatemala. Taxonomic revision has clarified its distinction from the closely related S. hybrida, with which it occurs sympatrically and syntopically in some regions.



Pronunciation
How to pronounce Symplecta cana: /sɪmˈplɛk.tə ˈkɑː.nə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from S. hybrida by clarified morphological characters in male and female terminalia; and syntopic occurrences with S. hybrida documented in regions. Identification requires examination of structures.
Images
Habitat
regions; specific microhabitat preferences not documented in available sources.
Distribution
Nearctic and Neotropical regions: Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland, and throughout), USA (Alaska and south throughout contiguous states), Mexico, and Guatemala.
Similar Taxa
- Symplecta hybridaOccurs sympatrically and syntopically with S. cana; historically confused taxonomically, now distinguished by
More Details
Taxonomic history
Formerly confused with S. hybrida; taxonomic distinctions clarified in 2008 revision of Symplecta stricto. Part of subgenus Symplecta sensu stricto within Symplecta.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- The ants, bees and wasps of Canada, Alaska and Greenland – a checklist of 9250 species | Blog
- Non-native pest-controlling wasp in Canada | Blog
- Eaters of thistles: Thistle tortoise beetle, Cassida rubiginosa, and Canada thistle bud weevil, Larinus planus — Bug of the Week
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Ampulex canaliculata
- Civil engineering legacy provides habitats for threatened fish
- Exploring arctic plants and lichens
- Arctic species of the subgenus Symplecta sensu stricto (Diptera: Limoniidae)