Microbembex californica
R. Bohart, 1970
Microbembex californica is a of sand wasp in the Crabronidae, first described by R. Bohart in 1970. It belongs to a of small to medium-sized predatory that inhabit sandy environments. Like other members of the Bembicinae, this species likely excavates burrows in soil and provisions them with prey for their larvae. The specific epithet "californica" indicates a geographic association with California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Microbembex californica: /ˌmaɪ.kroʊˈbɛm.bɛks ˌkæl.ɪˈfɔr.nɪ.kə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Habitat
Sandy soils and open ground typical of sand wasp .
Distribution
Known from California, USA. GBIF records indicate presence in North America and Middle America, though specific localities beyond the type region are poorly documented.
Similar Taxa
- Microbembex monodontaCongeneric with overlapping geographic range; distinguished by differences in clypeal and mandibular structure per Bohart's original descriptions.
- Microbembex hirsutaAnother western North American Microbembex ; M. californica may differ in and abdominal patterning.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Bembicid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- The Big 43: The California Native Plants, Plus One, Studied in UC Davis Research | Bug Squad
- Bohart Museum: Learn about California's State Insect on UC Davis Picnic Day | Bug Squad
- A Mural Like No Other | Bug Squad
- A Flash of Orange: Welcome, California Tortoiseshell! | Bug Squad
- California Dogface Butterfly: What the Fire Did | Bug Squad