Ammophila juncea

Cresson, 1865

Ammophila juncea is a of thread-waisted in the . It belongs to a diverse of solitary hunting wasps known for provisioning nests with paralyzed . Like other Ammophila species, females construct burrows in sandy soil and provide paralyzed for their larval offspring. The species was described by Cresson in 1865 and occurs in North and Middle America.

Ammophila-arenaria-Leymus-arenarius-Elytrigia-juncea by Sten Porse. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ammophila juncea: /ˌæməˈfaɪlə ˈdʒʌnsia/

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Habitat

Open areas with sandy soil are favored nesting sites for many Ammophila . The is associated with compact sand substrates suitable for burrow excavation.

Distribution

North America; Middle America. GBIF records indicate presence in both regions.

Behavior

Females of the Ammophila are known to construct burrows in sandy soil, capture and paralyze , and provision nests for their offspring. They have been observed to cover burrow entrances and perform orientation to relocate nests. Some Ammophila can with oriented beneath the body for maximum aerodynamic .

Similar Taxa

Ammophila proceraLarger (25-38 mm) with distinctive silver stripes on sides; A. juncea likely smaller and may lack or have reduced thoracic striping
Ammophila wrightiiAnother Ammophila recorded as hunter in same geographic region
Ammophila arenariaDifferent of dune-building grass, not a ; potential source of naming confusion

More Details

Taxonomic note

The specific epithet 'juncea' (Latin for 'rush-like') may refer to the slender, thread-waisted appearance characteristic of the . The name has been confused with Elytrigia juncea (syn. Elytrichia juncea), a dune-building grass species studied in coastal literature.

Research context

Specimens of Ammophila juncea have been studied in relation to . The Ammophila serves as for , with maternal care behaviors potentially increasing risk of transmission to offspring.