Leucospis slossonae
Weld, 1922
Leucospis slossonae is a parasitic wasp in the Leucospidae, a group of unusually large chalcidoid wasps. Like other leucospids, females possess a distinctive whip-like ovipositor that curls over the top of the , used to drill into wood and deposit in the nests of solitary bees. The is known from the southeastern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Leucospis slossonae: /luˈkɔspɪs slɒˈsɒni/
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Identification
Leucospis slossonae can be distinguished from other North American Leucospis by specific morphological features, though detailed diagnostic characters require examination. All Leucospis species share the diagnostic traits: greatly swollen, toothed hind and forewings folded longitudinally at rest. Females are recognized by the slender, whip-like ovipositor arching over the ; males lack this structure and are smaller. The black and yellow coloration resembles mason and potter wasps (Vespidae), but the swollen hind femora and wing-folding pattern distinguish leucospids from vespids.
Distribution
Southeastern United States: recorded from Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
Host Associations
- Megachile - leafcutter bees; specific records for L. slossonae not documented, but Leucospis includes of Megachile
- Osmia - mason bees; specific records for L. slossonae not documented, but Leucospis includes of Osmia
Similar Taxa
- Leucospis affinisMost common and widespread North American leucospid; L. slossonae distinguished by geographic range (southeastern vs. widespread) and subtle morphological differences
- Monobia quadridensFour-toothed Mason Wasp shares black and yellow coloration and longitudinal wing-folding, but lacks swollen hind and has different body proportions
- ChrysisCuckoo wasps are also parasitic with metallic coloration, but have compact, rounded bodies and different parasitic strategy (cleptoparasitism in completed nests vs. ectoparasitism on larvae)
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Leucospis slossonae is one of six North American in the Leucospis. The Leucospidae is unusual among Chalcidoidea for its relatively large body size (3-14 mm for the genus) and distinctive ovipositor .