Euodynerus hidalgo

(de Saussure, 1857)

Hidalgo Mason Wasp

Species Guides

Euodynerus hidalgo is a widespread mason wasp ( Eumeninae) found across North America from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts. The is divided into three with variable coloration, ranging from predominantly black with yellow markings to forms with reduced red markings. Females nest in pre-existing cavities including abandoned mud dauber nests, solitary burrows, and even mortar crevices in buildings. Like other mason wasps, they provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae.

Euodynerus hidalgo boreoorientalis by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Potter wasp (Vespidae, Euodynerus sp.) (35977747190) by Insects Unlocked
. Used under a CC0 license.

Euodynerus hidalgo hidalgo on Helianthus annus in coastal California 2023 August by Jengod. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Euodynerus hidalgo: /juː.əˈdaɪ.nə.rəs hɪˈdæl.ɡoʊ/

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

Identification

Distinguished from the similar Euodynerus annulatus by the more angulate propodeum (hindmost thoracic segment) and the reflexed (turned up) hind margins of the first and second tergites, which are not clear and reflexed in E. annulatus. Males are easily recognized by hooked tips on the . The strong pronotal carina separates it from other Euodynerus .

Images

Habitat

Nests in pre-existing cavities in or on human structures (old barns, dilapidated wood buildings) and natural settings. Uses abandoned nests of mud daubers (Sceliphron caementarium), old solitary burrows, paper wasp nests (Polistes), and even mortar crevices between bricks. Also occupies holes where rusted nails have fallen out.

Distribution

Transcontinental in North America, ranging from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts of the United States. Three recognized: E. h. hidalgo, E. h. boreoorientalis (Eastern Seaboard), and E. h. viereckii. GBIF records indicate presence in Vermont and across the conterminous 48 United States.

Seasonality

active during warmer months; in New Jersey, observed in October. Multiple per year suspected, with developmental period from to adult taking approximately 19 days for females and 14 days for males under favorable conditions.

Life Cycle

Females construct linear nests of 1-11 in pre-existing cavities. Each cell is provisioned with several small paralyzed caterpillars, with an laid in the cell. Cells are separated by partitions of sand or soil. Egg and larval stages complete in 7-9 days; pupal stage lasts about 14 days for males and 19 days for females. At least two per year suspected. stage not explicitly documented.

Behavior

Females hunt caterpillars, sting them to paralyze, and transport to nest . Frequently observed feeding on nectar at wildflowers. Nests in pre-existing cavities rather than excavating burrows. Males likely patrol nesting areas seeking females.

Ecological Role

of caterpillars, potentially providing of larvae. through nectar feeding at wildflowers.

Human Relevance

Beneficial insect that preys on caterpillars including some pest . Occasionally nests on buildings in mortar crevices or nail holes. Non-aggressive; does not defend nests and rarely stings humans. Attractable to blocks/bee hotels.

Similar Taxa

Euodynerus annulatusSimilar size and general appearance, but E. annulatus has less angulate propodeum and lacks reflexed tergite margins; also excavates burrows with mud chimneys rather than using pre-existing cavities

More Details

Subspecies

Three recognized: E. h. hidalgo, E. h. boreoorientalis (Bequaert, 1937), and E. h. viereckii (Cameron, 1909). The subspecies E. h. boreoorientalis occurs along the Eastern Seaboard and has been extensively studied by Karl Krombein.

Nesting biology

Based on Krombein's observations of E. h. boreoorientalis at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, nests typically contain 1-11 arranged linearly in twig or stalk borings. Each cell receives several small paralyzed caterpillars.