Scolia mexicana
Saussure, 1858
Scolia mexicana is a digger in the , distributed across Mexico and the southern United States. As a , females locate underground, them to induce paralysis, and on the living . The wasp develop by consuming the immobilized grubs, eventually pupating within the host burrow and before emerging as . Adults have been observed visiting flowers for nectar, particularly members of the mint and aster families.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scolia mexicana: /ˈskɔ.li.a ˌmɛk.siˈka.na/
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Habitat
Lawns, landscape , and other areas with soil-dwelling . frequent flowering plants for nectar.
Distribution
Mexico (Estado de México, Chiapas, Coahuila, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, Morelos, Querétaro) and the United States.
Seasonality
emerge in August; active in late summer and autumn.
Diet
feed on nectar from flowers, particularly Lamiaceae (mints) and Asteraceae (goldenrods). are that consume , including such as , , , and .
Host Associations
- Scarabaeidae - parasitize soil-dwelling including , , , and
Life Cycle
Females dig through soil to locate , them to induce paralysis, and on the surface. hatch and consume the living grub, completing development during summer and autumn. The mature larva spins a silken , pupates, and overwinters within the host burrow. emerge the following August.
Behavior
Females exhibit low patterns over turf, searching for . They are capable of excavating soil to access subterranean . have been observed nectaring on flowers and are not aggressive toward humans.
Ecological Role
agent of pestiferous in lawns and gardens.
Human Relevance
for natural suppression of lawn and garden pests including . Can be encouraged by planting nectar sources such as mountain mint, spotted horse mint, and goldenrod.
Similar Taxa
- Scolia dubiaSimilar size and ; distinguished by iridescent -black , black body with reddish- , and one pair of abdominal spots versus two pairs in S. nobilitata (not S. mexicana)
- Scolia nobilitataSimilar size and ; distinguished by smoky and two pairs of or off- abdominal spots
More Details
Conservation status
Not evaluated