Ancistrocerus spinolae
(de Saussure, 1856)
Spinola's Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus spinolae is a solitary mason wasp in the Eumeninae, commonly known as Spinola's Mason Wasp. As a member of the Ancistrocerus, it shares the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal segment that characterizes this group. Like other eumenine , it is a solitary nester that provisions its offspring with paralyzed caterpillars. The was described by de Saussure in 1856 and has been documented through 204 iNaturalist observations.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ancistrocerus spinolae: /ænˌsɪstroʊˈsɪərəs spɪˈnoʊli/
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Identification
Members of the Ancistrocerus can be identified by a prominent transverse carina (ridge) on the base of the first abdominal segment (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 mason wasps in the same with similar nesting , though A. waldenii constructs free-form mud nests attached to hard surfaces rather than using pre-existing cavities.
- Ancistrocerus unifasciatusAnother congeneric mason wasp with similar size range and general appearance; females of A. unifasciatus have forewing length 9.5-12 mm and hunt leafroller caterpillars.
- Ancistrocerus campestrisSimilar size and characteristics; A. campestris females have forewing length 9-11 mm and yellow hind margins on the first three abdominal segments.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Walden's Mason Wasp, Ancistrocerus waldenii
- Bug Eric: How to (Almost) Catch a Leaf-tier Caterpillar (Video)
- Bug Eric: How to Catch a Leafroller Caterpillar (Video)
- Bug Eric: Eight Illinois Wasp and Bee Mimics in Twenty Minutes
- Bug Eric: City Nature Challenge 2023 Recap