Cerceris finitima
Cresson, 1865
Cerceris finitima is a solitary predatory in the Crabronidae, described by Cresson in 1865. Like other members of the Cerceris, it is a ground-nesting that provisions its underground nests with paralyzed insect prey for its larvae. The species occurs in North America and Middle America. Specific details regarding its prey preferences and remain poorly documented compared to better-studied such as C. fumipennis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerceris finitima: //sɛrˈseː.ris fɪˈniː.ti.ma//
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Distribution
North America; Middle America
Similar Taxa
- Cerceris fumipennisBoth are North American Cerceris with ground-nesting habits, but C. fumipennis is distinguished by its nearly exclusive specialization on Buprestidae beetles and its use as a biosurveillance tool for emerald ash borer detection. C. finitima's prey preferences are not documented to this degree.
- Cerceris bicornisAnother North American that preys on weevils (Curculionidae) rather than buprestid beetles; burrow entrances may appear slightly larger than those of C. fumipennis, with weevils rather than buprestids found near nest entrances.
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