Pygodasis
Bradley, 1957
Species Guides
2- Pygodasis ephippium(Saddleback Scoliid Wasp)
- Pygodasis quadrimaculata(Large Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp)
Pygodasis is a New World of large scoliid wasps formerly treated as a subgenus of Campsomeris. The genus comprises approximately 14 distributed from the United States to Argentina. Members are characterized by black coloration with variable yellow to orange abdominal markings and are known to visit flowers.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pygodasis: //paɪɡoʊˈdeɪsɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from related by combination of entirely black and , black tibial spurs, and specific abdominal color patterns. Identification to requires examination of wing coloration, setal color, and punctation patterns on and propodeum.
Images
Habitat
Found in diverse environments including agricultural areas with vegetable . One observed in flowers of Brassica nigra near vegetable plots. Specific microhabitat preferences for most species not documented.
Distribution
New World distribution ranging from the United States south to Argentina. Documented in Panama (Chiriquí, Coclé, and Panamá provinces), with specific records from Cerro Punta.
Seasonality
activity recorded in December in Panama; broader seasonal patterns across range not documented.
Host Associations
- Coleoptera larvae - association documented at level for Scoliidae; specific host records for Pygodasis not stated in sources
Behavior
visit flowers. Capable of stinging humans painfully.
Ecological Role
; of larvae.
Human Relevance
Potential for painful stings; presence in agricultural areas near cultivated vegetables.
Similar Taxa
- CampsomerisFormerly included Pygodasis as a subgenus; distinguished by Pygodasis having entirely black and versus variable coloration in Campsomeris
More Details
Taxonomic history
Elevated from subgenus status within Campsomeris to full by Bradley in 1957
Species diversity
contains approximately 14 described , including P. ephippium (saddleback scoliid ) and P. quadrimaculata (large four-spotted scoliid wasp)