Fraternal Potter Wasp
Eumenes fraternus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Vespoidea
- Family: Vespidae
- Subfamily: Eumeninae
- Genus: Eumenes
- Species: fraternus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eumenes fraternus: /ɛˈjuːməˌniːz frəˈtɜːrnəs/
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Summary
Eumenes fraternus, or the Fraternal Potter Wasp, is notable for its unique nesting behavior, where it constructs mud pots to lay eggs and provision them with live caterpillars, while adults primarily feed on nectar. They are found in a range of habitats in the eastern United States and Canada, and have distinct physical characteristics that help in identification.
Physical Characteristics
15-20 mm in length; black with ivory-colored markings; the first abdominal segment is long and slender; forewings measure 8-12.5 mm depending on sex.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from other black-and-pale Eumenes species by dark, evenly-pigmented wings; shorter pubescence on the first segment of the antenna compared to E. crucifera and E. verticalis.
Habitat
Found in glades, rough shrubby areas, woodland edges and forest verges.
Distribution
Native to eastern United States (ON, NH, FL to MN, TX) and Canada; active from April to November in NC, July to September in MN.
Diet
Adults primarily feed on nectar, with some consumption of pollen; larvae feed on small caterpillars, especially cankerworms and sawflies.
Life Cycle
At least two generations a year, from late spring to early fall; overwinters as prepupa in cells.
Reproduction
Females build mud nests to lay eggs; provisions nests with live caterpillars for larval nourishment.
Ecosystem Role
Pollinator; plays a role in controlling caterpillar populations.
Tags
- Eumenes
- potter wasp
- hymenoptera
- Vespidae
- Eumeninae