Ancistrocerus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Vespoidea
Family: Vespidae
Subfamily: Eumeninae
Genus: Ancistrocerus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ancistrocerus: //ænˈsɪstroʊˌsɪərəs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Ancistrocerus unifasciatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Ancistrocerus lineaticollis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Ancistrocerus albophaleratus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Ancistrocerus longispinosus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Ancistrocerus gazella by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Ancistrocerus adiabatus abadiatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Ancistrocerus is a diverse genus of potter wasps with around 20 species found locally, showcasing a variety of anatomical features and adaptations for nest construction and larval care.

Physical Characteristics

Nonpetiolate eumenine wasps with a transverse ridge at the bending summit of the first metasomal tergum and a low, opaque propodeal lamella completely fused to the submarginal carina. Males often have back-curved last segments of the antennae, which gives them a hooked appearance.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive transverse ridge on the first metasomal tergum and the fusion of the propodeal lamella to the submarginal carina. The hooked horns of male antennae can also be a useful identification feature.

Habitat

Widely distributed in a variety of habitats, Ancistrocerus species are found in both urban and rural settings, typically in areas where they can access mud for nest construction.

Distribution

Mostly Holarctic, with approximately half of the species in the Palaearctic and some presence in more southern regions.

Diet

Primarily insectivorous, Ancistrocerus wasps predate on soft-bodied insects to provision their nests for the larvae.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females build nests from mud and provision them with prey for the developing larvae.

Reproduction

Females construct nests out of mud, laying eggs on paralyzed prey that serve as food for the hatching larvae.

Ecosystem Role

As pollinators and predators of other insect species, they play a significant role in ecology.

Evolution

The name Ancistrocerus is derived from Greek, meaning 'hooked horn', reflecting the morphology of male antennae and connecting to other potter wasp genera.

Similar Taxa

Ancistroceroides
Parancistrocerus
Orancistrocerus
Tachyancistrocerus

Misconceptions

Commonly mistaken for aggressive wasp species; however, Ancistrocerus are generally non-aggressive and focus on hunting prey to feed their larvae.