Ectemnius rufipes

(Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau & Brullé, 1835)

square-headed wasp

Ectemnius rufipes is a of square-headed in the Crabronidae. The species is found in North America and is part of a of solitary, predatory wasps that typically hunt . Two are recognized: Ectemnius rufipes ais and the nominate Ectemnius rufipes rufipes.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ectemnius rufipes: /ɛkˈtɛm.ni.əs ˈruː.fɪˌpeɪz/

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Identification

Members of the Ectemnius can be distinguished from similar genera in the tribe Crabronini, such as Anacrabro, Lestica, and Crabro, by abdominal . Specifically, Ectemnius lacks the strongly concave underside of the that characterizes Anacrabro ocellatus. Within Ectemnius, -level identification requires examination of structural details including leg coloration, with rufipes indicating reddish legs.

Distribution

North America.

Ecological Role

As a member of the Crabronini, Ectemnius function as solitary that provision nests with paralyzed , primarily (), for their larval offspring.

Similar Taxa

  • Anacrabro ocellatusSimilar size, coloration, and general appearance, but distinguished by very concave underside of and exclusive on () rather than .
  • LesticaSimilar appearance in tribe Crabronini, but differs in structural details of abdominal .
  • CrabroSimilar appearance in tribe Crabronini, but differs in structural details of abdominal .

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Ectemnius rufipes ais Pate, 1946, and Ectemnius rufipes rufipes (Lepeletier de Saint Fargeau & Brullé, 1835).

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Sources and further reading