Ancistrocerus spinolae

(de Saussure, 1856)

Spinola's Mason Wasp

Ancistrocerus spinolae is a solitary in the Eumeninae, commonly known as Spinola's Mason Wasp. As a member of the Ancistrocerus, it shares the diagnostic transverse on the first abdominal that characterizes this group. Like other eumenine , it is a solitary nester that provisions its offspring with paralyzed . The was described by de Saussure in 1856 and has been documented through 204 iNaturalist observations.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ancistrocerus spinolae: /ænˌsɪstroʊˈsɪərəs spɪˈnoʊli/

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

Identification

Members of the Ancistrocerus can be identified by a prominent transverse (ridge) on the base of the first abdominal (T1), creating an abrupt angle where the meets the . This distinguishes Ancistrocerus from other eumenine genera where the abdomen slopes more gently toward the thorax. Specific identification features for A. spinolae are not detailed in available sources.

Images

Similar Taxa

  • Ancistrocerus waldeniiBoth are in the same with similar nesting biology, though A. waldenii constructs free-form mud nests attached to hard surfaces rather than using pre-existing cavities.
  • Ancistrocerus unifasciatusAnother congeneric with similar size range and general appearance; females of A. unifasciatus have length 9.5-12 mm and hunt .
  • Ancistrocerus campestrisSimilar size and characteristics; A. campestris females have length 9-11 mm and hind margins on the first three abdominal .

Tags

Sources and further reading