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 for its . The species was described by Cresson in 1865 and is 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 . Members of the Cerceris are known to specialize on particular 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 , though this specific application has not been documented for C. blakei.

Similar Taxa

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

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Sources and further reading