Podalonia pubescens
Murray, 1940
cutworm wasp
Podalonia pubescens is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the Sphecidae, Ammophilinae. Like other members of the , females hunt soil-dwelling caterpillars (cutworms), paralyze them, and provision underground burrows as food for their larvae. This occurs in North America and Central America. Species-level identification requires examination of minute morphological characters such as the presence or absence of (small pads between the claws), making field identification to species difficult.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Podalonia pubescens: //ˌpoʊdəˈloʊniə pjuˈbɛsɛnz//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Podalonia pubescens is one of approximately 19 Podalonia in North America. Definitive identification requires microscopic examination of (tiny pads between the tarsal claws). Females resemble small Sphex species, while males are easily confused with Ammophila . Both belong to the Ammophilinae. Live specimens in the field cannot reliably be distinguished from without capture and detailed examination.
Images
Distribution
North America and Central America (Middle America). GBIF records confirm presence in both regions.
Seasonality
Females have been observed active in February at 58°F in Colorado Springs, Colorado, suggesting early spring . Males and females of the are known to aggregate in sheltered spaces, possibly correlating with inclement weather or .
Diet
Females hunt soil-dwelling caterpillars (cutworms), paralyze them with venom, and store them as provisions for their offspring. of both sexes have been observed feeding on flower nectar.
Life Cycle
Females dig burrows after procuring prey, which is the reverse sequence of most sphecid . Only one caterpillar is placed in each burrow, with a single laid upon it. The tunnel opening is then sealed. The larva feeds on the paralyzed caterpillar. Males and females are known to aggregate in groups of several hundred individuals in sheltered spaces, possibly related to weather conditions or .
Behavior
Females are solitary hunters. They have been observed digging burrows, either to deposit previously captured prey or to excavate prey from soil. Unlike most sphecid , they dig the burrow after capturing rather than before. Both sexes aggregate in sheltered locations such as under bark on tree stumps. Males frequently mate with females at flowers while both are feeding on nectar.
Ecological Role
of soil-dwelling caterpillars, potentially providing of pest cutworms in agricultural and garden settings.
Human Relevance
Beneficial to agriculture and gardening through on caterpillars, which are significant crop pests.