Cerceris compacta
Cresson, 1865
Cerceris compacta is a solitary predatory in the Crabronidae, first described by Cresson in 1865. Like other members of the Cerceris, this is a ground-nesting wasp that hunts and paralyzes prey to provision underground nests for its larvae. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. As a member of the Cerceris genus, it likely exhibits prey specialization, though specific prey preferences for C. compacta have not been documented in the available sources.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerceris compacta: /sɛrˈsɛrɪs kəmˈpæk.tə/
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Distribution
North America and Middle America (Mexico, Central America). GBIF records indicate presence in both regions, though specific locality details are sparse in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Cerceris fumipennisSimilar ground-nesting and , but C. fumipennis specializes almost exclusively on jewel beetles (Buprestidae) and has been extensively studied as a biosurveillance tool for emerald ash borer. C. fumipennis females have three yellow facial markings versus two in males, a trait that may help distinguish sexes within the .
- Cerceris bicornisAnother North American Cerceris that makes nearly identical burrows; however, C. bicornis specializes on weevils (Curculionidae) rather than buprestid beetles, allowing distinction based on prey remains found near nest entrances.
More Details
Genus-level traits
Members of the Cerceris are known for prey specialization, with different targeting distinct insect groups. C. fumipennis hunts Buprestidae, C. bicornis hunts Curculionidae, and C. rybyensis preys on bees. The prey preferences of C. compacta remain undocumented.
Taxonomic note
The was described by Cresson in 1865 and is currently accepted as valid. It belongs to the tribe Cercerini within the Philanthinae.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Working with Cerceris fumipennis—Part 2 | Beetles In The Bush
- Working with Cerceris fumipennis—Part 1 | Beetles In The Bush
- Hymenoptera | Beetles In The Bush | Page 6
- Wasp, Geographic Data Improve Surveillance for Emerald Ash Borer
- Predatory Wasps and Citizen Scientists are Taking on the Emerald Ash Borer
- ID Challenge #19 | Beetles In The Bush