Cerceris truncata
Cameron, 1890
Cerceris truncata is a solitary in the Crabronidae, described by Cameron in 1890. It belongs to a of predatory wasps known for specializing on particular prey groups. Most Cerceris species are ground-nesting solitary wasps that paralyze prey with their sting to provision underground nests for their larvae. The specific and prey preferences of C. truncata remain poorly documented compared to better-studied such as C. fumipennis.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerceris truncata: /sɛrˈkɛ.rɪs truŋˈkaː.ta/
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Distribution
Middle America (present according to GBIF distribution records). iNaturalist records indicate observations from this region.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Cerceris truncata was described by Cameron in 1890. It is one of numerous in the large Cerceris, which contains over 200 described species worldwide. Many Cerceris species remain poorly studied biologically.
Data Limitations
Unlike the well-documented North American Cerceris fumipennis, which has been extensively studied as a biosurveillance tool for emerald ash borer, C. truncata lacks published biological studies. The 11 iNaturalist observations suggest it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- A Crafty Time at the Bohart Museum of Entomology | Bug Squad
- Working with Cerceris fumipennis—Epilogue | Beetles In The Bush
- Working with Cerceris fumipennis—Part 2 | Beetles In The Bush
- Working with Cerceris fumipennis—Part 1 | Beetles In The Bush
- Urban Wonder: Rare Butterfly Thrives in One of Ecuador's Largest Cities
- Wasp, Geographic Data Improve Surveillance for Emerald Ash Borer