Cerceris blakei

Cresson, 1865

Cerceris blakei is a of solitary predatory in the Crabronidae. Like other members of the Cerceris, it is a ground-nesting wasp that provisions its underground nests with paralyzed insect prey for its larvae. The species was described by Cresson in 1865 and is native to North America. As with many Cerceris species, it likely specializes on particular prey groups, though specific prey associations for C. blakei are not well documented in the available literature.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cerceris blakei: /ˈsɛr.sɛr.ɪs ˈbleɪ.keɪ/

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Distribution

North America. Distribution records indicate presence across the continent, though specific range details are sparse.

Ecological Role

As a solitary predatory , C. blakei likely functions as a agent for its prey . Members of the Cerceris are known to specialize on particular insect groups, with some species serving as efficient that can suppress of their prey. The genus includes species that have been utilized as biosurveillance tools for detecting beetles, though this specific application has not been documented for C. blakei.

Similar Taxa

  • Cerceris fumipennisBoth are North American Cerceris with ground-nesting habits, but C. fumipennis is distinguished by its specialization on Buprestidae (jewel beetles) and has been extensively studied as a biosurveillance tool for emerald ash borer. C. blakei lacks documented prey specialization and has not been utilized for similar monitoring purposes.
  • Cerceris bicornisAnother North American that also nests in sandy soils and provisions underground nests with paralyzed prey. C. bicornis is a documented on weevils (Curculionidae), whereas C. blakei prey preferences remain undocumented.

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