Cerceris deserta
Say, 1824
Cerceris deserta is a solitary ground-nesting in the Crabronidae, described by Thomas Say in 1824. Like other members of the Cerceris, it is a predatory wasp that provisions its underground nests with paralyzed insect prey for its offspring. The specific epithet "deserta" suggests an association with arid or desert environments, though precise ecological details remain limited in available literature. The is part of a diverse genus of hunting wasps, many of which exhibit prey specialization.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerceris deserta: /sɛrˈsɛrɪs dɛˈsɛrtə/
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Images
Distribution
Recorded from North America, with specific distribution records from Canada including the province of Alberta. The name suggests potential association with arid or semi-arid regions, though precise range boundaries require further documentation.
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