Lestica producticollis
(Packard, 1866)
square-headed wasp
Lestica producticollis is a of square-headed wasp in the Crabronidae, native to North America. It belongs to the tribe Crabronini, a group of solitary hunting . Members of the Lestica are similar in appearance to related genera such as Crabro, Ectemnius, and Anacrabro, and are distinguished by subtle morphological features of the . As with other Crabronini, these wasps are predatory and provision nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lestica producticollis: /lɛsˈtiːka ˌproʊdʌktɪˈkoʊlɪs/
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Identification
Lestica can be separated from the similar-looking Ectemnius, Crabro, and Anacrabro by abdominal . Specifically, Lestica lacks the strongly concave underside of the that characterizes Anacrabro. Accurate identification to species level within Lestica requires examination of detailed structural features not readily apparent in field observations.
Images
Distribution
North America, with records from Canada including Alberta.
Similar Taxa
- Anacrabro ocellatusSimilar black and yellow coloration and body form, but distinguished by a strongly concave underside of the ; also differs in prey preference, hunting plant bugs (Miridae) rather than flies
- EctemniusClosely related with similar square-headed wasp ; separation requires examination of abdominal and other structural characters
- CrabroRelated in the same tribe with comparable appearance; distinguished by specific morphological details of the and other features