Ectemnius decemmaculatus
(Say, 1823)
Ectemnius decemmaculatus is a of square-headed wasp in the Crabronidae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the Ectemnius, it belongs to a group of solitary that provision nests with prey for their offspring. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1823.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ectemnius decemmaculatus: /ɛkˈtɛm.ni.əs ˌdeː.kɛm.mɑk.jʊˈleɪ.təs/
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Identification
Ectemnius can be separated from the similar-looking Anacrabro by the underside of the : Ectemnius has a relatively flat or convex abdominal venter, whereas Anacrabro has a distinctly concave underside. Ectemnius decemmaculatus is one of multiple species in this genus found in North America; specific distinguishing features from are not documented in available sources.
Images
Distribution
North America, including Canada (Ontario) and the United States.
Similar Taxa
- Anacrabro ocellatusVery similar in general appearance (small, black and yellow , 6-7 mm), but distinguished by the concave underside of the in Anacrabro versus the flatter venter in Ectemnius. Anacrabro also differs in prey preference, hunting plant bugs (Miridae) rather than flies.
- LesticaSimilar appearance as a crabronine , but Ectemnius can be distinguished by abdominal venter shape and other subtle morphological features.
- CrabroAnother similar in tribe Crabronini; separation requires examination of abdominal venter and other structural characters.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The specific epithet 'decemmaculatus' (meaning 'ten-spotted') likely refers to pale markings on the body, though the exact pattern is not described in available sources.