Leucospis robertsoni
Crawford, 1909
Leucospis robertsoni is a parasitic wasp in the Leucospidae, a group of relatively large chalcidoid wasps often mistaken for mason or potter wasps due to their black and yellow markings. Like other leucospids, females possess a distinctive ovipositor that curls over the top of the , which they use to drill into wood and deposit in the nests of solitary bees and . The is recorded from the southeastern United States and Mexico.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leucospis robertsoni: /luːˈkɒspɪs rɒˈbɛrtˌsɒnaɪ/
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Identification
L. robertsoni can be distinguished from other Leucospis by examination of morphological details; females are recognized by the slender, whip-like ovipositor arching over the , while males lack this structure and are smaller. All Leucospis species share greatly swollen, toothed hind that distinguish them from superficially similar vespid . The front wings are folded longitudinally when at rest, typical of the .
Distribution
Recorded from Alabama, Florida, and Mexico.
Host Associations
- Solitary bees - Larval of bees nesting in hollow twigs or pre-existing cavities, including megachilid bees
- Solitary wasps - Larval of nesting in wood or twigs
Ecological Role
Larval of solitary bees and . The first larva to hatch in a eliminates competing leucospid larvae or before attaching to the host larva and consuming it. Development is rapid: larval maturation in 7-12 days, in 5 days, and in 9-14 days (or for late-season ).
Similar Taxa
- Leucospis affinisMost common and widespread North American leucospid; L. robertsoni is a distinct with more restricted distribution
- Mason wasps (Vespidae: Eumeninae)Similar black and yellow coloration and longitudinal wing folding, but lack the swollen, toothed hind characteristic of Leucospidae
- Potter wasps (Vespidae: Eumeninae)Similar size and color pattern, but have different wing venation and lack the distinctive hind leg of leucospids
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specific epithet is sometimes rendered 'robertsoni' or 'robertsonii' in older literature; the accepted spelling following Crawford's original description is 'robertsoni'.
Parasitoid biology
Leucospid wasps are unusual among Chalcidoidea for their large size and wood-drilling strategy. The female's ability to locate larvae through solid wood remains poorly understood.