Ectemnius arcuatus
(Say, 1837)
square-headed wasp
Ectemnius arcuatus is a of square-headed wasp in the Crabronidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1837. It belongs to a of solitary characterized by their distinctive shape. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary, predatory wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed prey.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ectemnius arcuatus: //ɛkˈtɛm.ni.əs ˌɑːr.kjuˈɑː.təs//
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Identification
Ectemnius can be separated from similar-looking in the tribe Crabronini, such as Anacrabro, Lestica, and Crabro, by the structure of the abdominal underside. Ectemnius lacks the strongly concave surface of the that is characteristic of Anacrabro ocellatus. Specific diagnostic features for E. arcuatus within the require examination of morphological details not documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America. Documented from Canada (Alberta) and the United States. GBIF records confirm presence in North America with specific locality data for Alberta, Canada.
Similar Taxa
- Anacrabro ocellatusSimilar size and coloration (black and yellow), but distinguished by the strongly concave underside of the in Anacrabro, which Ectemnius lacks. Anacrabro also has distinct prey preferences for Miridae plant bugs.
- Lestica spp.Members of the same tribe Crabronini with similar general appearance; separation requires examination of specific morphological characters.
- Crabro spp.Congeneric members of tribe Crabronini with overlapping ; precise identification relies on detailed structural features.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Crabro arcuatus by Say in 1837, later transferred to Ectemnius. The genus Ectemnius is part of the tribe Crabronini within Crabroninae.