Gasteruption assectator
(Linnaeus, 1758)
wild carrot wasp
Gasteruption assectator, commonly known as the wild carrot , is a of carrot wasp in the . It is a that targets multiple and wasp species including Hylaeus confusus, Hylaeus pectoralis, and Pemphredon fabricii. The species exhibits the distinctive elongated neck and enlarged hind characteristic of its family. are frequently observed at flowers, particularly umbelliferous blooms.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gasteruption assectator: //ɡæsˈtɛrʌpʃən æsˈsɛktətɔːr//
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Identification
Distinguished from ichneumon by fewer antennal (13–14 versus many more in ichneumons) and swollen hind . Separated from wasps such as Ammophila by the pronounced neck and high abdominal attachment. -level identification relies on texture and, to a lesser extent, color pattern.
Images
Appearance
Slender with elongated, thread-like body. Pronounced "neck" (constricted ) between and . attached high on thorax, not between hind legs. Hind distinctly swollen and enlarged. with 13 in males, 14 segments in females. Females possess long , sometimes with tip. Body length 13–40 mm, with much of length due to ovipositor in females.
Habitat
Associated with supporting solitary and that nest in twigs or borings in wood. frequent flowering plants, especially umbelliferous (Apiaceae) such as wild carrot.
Distribution
Recorded from Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick).
Seasonality
activity peaks in late spring (latter half of May) and mid-summer (July).
Host Associations
- Hylaeus confusus -
- Hylaeus pectoralis -
- Pemphredon fabricii -
Life Cycle
Female deep in nest tunnel using long . hatches and feeds on pollen, nectar, or provisions stored for host larva rather than consuming the host larva directly.
Behavior
exhibit vertical and horizontal leg-swaying during near nests, hypothesized to tune into from hosts. Enlarged hind with adjacent to subgenual organ amplify vibrational .
Ecological Role
of solitary and . Acts as regulator of soil-nesting and twig-nesting .
Human Relevance
Non-stinging; may benefit from of stinging . observed at flowers used in ecological studies and .
Similar Taxa
- Ichneumon waspsSimilar slender body but distinguished by many more antennal and lack of swollen hind
- Ammophila (Sphecidae)Similar appearance but lacks pronounced neck and high abdominal attachment; different nesting biology
More Details
Leg morphology and function
Enlarged hind contain tissue adjacent to subgenual organ, involved in vibrational signal and possibly dynamics and detoxification.