Lestica is a of square-headed wasps in the Crabronidae, containing at least 40 described . The genus belongs to the tribe Crabronini, which includes primarily predatory that provision nests with prey for their larvae. Species of Lestica are distributed across multiple continents, with records from Europe, North America, and tropical Africa. The genus can be distinguished from similar crabronine genera by morphological features of the .
Identification
Lestica can be separated from similar-looking in the tribe Crabronini, such as Anacrabro, Ectemnius, and Crabro, by the shape of the . Unlike Anacrabro, which has a very concave underside of the abdomen, Lestica exhibits a different abdominal profile. determination typically requires examination of female specimens using specialized keys.
Images
Distribution
Records indicate presence in Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), North America, and tropical Africa including Togo. The has a wide geographic range spanning multiple continents.
Similar Taxa
- AnacrabroVery similar appearance; distinguished by very concave underside of in Anacrabro
- EctemniusSimilar in tribe Crabronini; requires abdominal shape and other features for separation
- CrabroClose relative in same tribe with overlapping morphological characteristics