Cephalodynerus russipes
(Bohart, 1942)
Cephalodynerus russipes is a of potter wasp in the Eumeninae, first described by Bohart in 1942. The Cephalodynerus is characterized by distinctive with expanded genae (cheek regions), though species-specific traits for C. russipes remain poorly documented. This species belongs to a group of solitary that construct mud nests provisioned with paralyzed caterpillars.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cephalodynerus russipes: /ˌsɛfələˈdaɪnərəs ˈrʌsəˌpiːz/
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Identification
The specific epithet 'russipes' (reddish-footed) likely refers to reddish coloration on the legs, a trait that may help distinguish this from . Accurate identification requires examination of male genitalia and detailed structure, particularly the degree of genal expansion. The single iNaturalist observation suggests this species is rarely encountered or photographed.
Images
Distribution
Documented from the southwestern United States; the type locality and precise range require verification from original description. The Cephalodynerus has its center of diversity in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Similar Taxa
- Cephalodynerus breviventrisSimilar range and ; distinguished by abdominal proportions and male genitalia
- Cephalodynerus tibialisShares expanded genae characteristic of ; leg coloration and punctation patterns differ
More Details
Taxonomic note
placement varies between sources: GBIF lists Eumenidae as a separate family, while Catalogue of Life and iNaturalist retain Eumeninae within Vespidae. The single iNaturalist observation indicates this is among the least documented in its .
Etymology
The specific epithet derives from Latin 'russus' (reddish) and 'pes' (foot), referring to leg coloration.