Dolichodynerus vandykei

Bohart, 1950

Dolichodynerus vandykei is a of potter wasp in the Vespidae, described by Bohart in 1950. It belongs to the Dolichodynerus, which is characterized by elongated body proportions. The species epithet honors the entomologist Edwin C. Van Dyke, whose name appears in multiple other insect species. As a member of the Eumeninae , it is a solitary that constructs nest from mud.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dolichodynerus vandykei: //ˌdɒlɪkoʊˈdaɪnərəs ˌvænˈdaɪki//

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Distribution

Based on iNaturalist records, the has been observed in North America. The was likely collected in California, given Van Dyke's association with the California Academy of Sciences and the western North American distribution pattern of related species.

Behavior

As a member of the Eumeninae (potter wasps), females construct small mud , typically attached to vegetation or in cavities, in which they provision paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. visit flowers for nectar.

Similar Taxa

Other Dolichodynerus speciesShare the elongated body form and mud-nesting ; require examination of specific morphological characters for separation
Other Eumeninae genera (e.g., Eumenes, Ancistrocerus)Similar potter wasp and ; distinguished by petiole length, body proportions, and facial markings

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'vandykei' honors Edwin C. Van Dyke (1861-1952), a prominent California entomologist who worked at the California Academy of Sciences and described numerous insect . His name appears in several other hymenopteran , including the Bombus vandykei.

Taxonomic Note

The -level classification of Eumeninae has been subject to revision; some authorities treat Eumenidae as a separate family rather than a of Vespidae. GBIF lists the family as Eumenidae, while iNaturalist and Catalogue of Life maintain Vespidae.