Auplopus carbonarius
(Scopoli, 1763)
potter spider wasp, yellow-faced spider wasp
Auplopus carbonarius is a small to Europe that has been to North America. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud inside pre-existing cavities, stocking each with a paralyzed as food for their . The is notable for its complex nesting among , including leg amputation of to facilitate transport. are approximately 10 mm in length, with males distinguished by ivory-colored maculae beside the .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Auplopus carbonarius: //ˈaʊpləpəs ˌkɑrbəˈnɛəriəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other British by construction of barrel-shaped mud . Males identified by ivory maculae beside . Females may be distinguished from other Auplopus by differences in males; females of several Auplopus species are externally inseparable. Nests of small barrel-shaped mud cells (approximately 15 mm long, 7-10 mm wide) arranged in rows within cavities are diagnostic.
Images
Appearance
Small approximately 10 mm in length (males 8 mm). Body predominantly dark. Males distinguished by ivory-colored maculae (pale markings) alongside the . Females possess an oval pygidial plate on the near the tip, used as a masonry trowel for manipulating mud pellets during nest construction.
Habitat
Woodland, particularly areas with water courses and marshy zones that provide wet mud and clay for nest construction. Nests are built in pre-existing cavities including beneath stones, in masonry, tree stumps (often old burrows), under bark, in tree trunk crevices, in empty , and in abandoned burrows of other including other nests.
Distribution
to western Europe; to eastern North America with documented records in New York and Michigan. In Europe: south eastern England, central Europe, Scandinavia, Belgium. Native range includes eastern United States and eastern Canada in introduced .
Seasonality
period June to August in Great Britain. active May to October in North America, most abundant July through September.
Diet
feed on from colonies, particularly on honeyvine (Ampelamus albidus), sunflower, and other plants. feed on paralyzed provisioned by females.
Host Associations
- Clubionidae - most frequent
- Gnaphosidae - recorded
- Salticidae - recorded
- Agelenidae - recorded
- Thomisidae - recorded
- Lycosidae - recorded
- Segestriidae - recorded
- Anyphaenidae - recorded
- Ampelamus albidus - food source from colonies
- Helianthus - food source from colonies
Life Cycle
Females construct barrel-shaped mud (approximately 15 mm long, 7-10 mm wide) from small pellets of mud obtained from damp soil, carried to nest site with water collected separately. Cells are laid sideways, often stacked end-to-end in rows of two to five within pre-existing cavities. Each cell is stocked with one paralyzed ; multiple spiders may be placed in each cell before -laying. Female lays single egg on last victim, then seals cell. hatches, feeds on paralyzed spider(s), pupates within cell. Emerging regurgitates liquid to soften mud cap, then chews exit hole to escape.
Behavior
Females amputate several or all legs of to facilitate transport over ground and to feed on spider blood. Prey transport occurs more often by crawling than by . Females demonstrate behavioral versatility in nest site selection, using diverse pre-existing cavities. Solitary; not aggressive. occasionally visit flowers such as spurge.
Ecological Role
of , particularly non-web-building . Contributes to spider . Provides potential for (host- relationships poorly documented). Mud nest construction may contribute to soil nutrient redistribution in microhabitats.
Human Relevance
Not medically significant; occur only if female is grabbed directly. Nests occasionally found in human structures (masonry, under bridges, in abandoned bolt holes). Considered due to . to North America, potentially expanding range.
Similar Taxa
- Eumenes spp. (potter wasps)Construct mud urns, but in ; stock with rather than ; complete urn before hunting
- Sceliphron caementarium (black and yellow mud dauber)Builds mud nests, but in ; constructs larger, clod-like clusters covered in mud layers; often re-used by Auplopus
- Trypoxylon politum (pipe organ mud dauber)Builds adjacent mud tubes in linear series, not barrel ; often re-used by Auplopus for nest sites; male defends nest
- Other Auplopus speciesFemales externally inseparable; males distinguished by ; several North are bright metallic -green
- Osmia mason beesConstruct similar mud nests; distinguished by different nest architecture and ()
- Eumeninae mason waspsSome construct similar mud ; distinguished by () and ()
More Details
Introduction to North America
from western Europe; first documented in New York and Michigan, likely with wider distribution than currently recorded
Nesting plasticity
Shows exceptional behavioral versatility in nest site selection compared to most other , using diverse pre-existing cavities
Prey handling
Leg amputation serves dual purpose: facilitates ground transport of and allows female to feed on