Euodynerus hidalgo viereckii

(Cameron, 1909)

A of mason wasp in the Eumeninae, Euodynerus hidalgo viereckii is one of three subspecies of the widespread E. hidalgo. The species ranges across the United States from coast to coast, with this subspecies occurring in the western portion of the range. Females nest in pre-existing cavities including abandoned nests of other and old solitary burrows, provisioning with paralyzed caterpillars.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Euodynerus hidalgo viereckii: /juːˌɒdɪˈnɛərəs hɪˈdælɡoʊ ˌviːəˈrɛki.aɪ/

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

Identification

Distinguished from the nominate E. h. hidalgo by geographic distribution (western vs. southern). Separated from E. h. boreoorientalis of the Eastern Seaboard by the presence of red markings, which are nearly absent in boreoorientalis. Within the Euodynerus, E. hidalgo is identified by the strong carina on the front edge of the pronotum and the thin, slightly upturned hind margins of the second and third abdominal segments. Male specimens have hooked tips on the . The propodeum is more angulate than in the similar E. annulatus, and the hind margins of the first and second tergites are clear and reflexed, unlike E. annulatus.

Habitat

Nests in pre-existing cavities in human-modified and natural environments, including mortar crevices between bricks on building exteriors, abandoned nests of Black and Yellow Mud Daubers (Sceliphron caementarium), paper wasp nests (Polistes), old solitary burrows, holes where rusted nails have fallen out of wood, and borings in twigs and stalks.

Distribution

Western North America. GBIF records indicate presence in Vermont and across the conterminous 48 United States, though this is primarily western in distribution relative to the other subspecies.

Diet

feed on nectar from wildflowers. Larvae are provisioned with paralyzed caterpillars, primarily from including Oecophoridae, Tortricidae, Gelechiidae, Pyralidae, and Crambidae ( Pyraustinae).

Life Cycle

Females construct nests of one to eleven arranged linearly in tunnels. Each cell is provisioned with several small paralyzed caterpillars. An is laid in each cell, followed by a partition of sand or soil. The egg and larval stages complete in approximately 7-9 days. males emerge from pupae in about 14 days, females in about 19 days. Multiple are produced annually.

Behavior

Females hunt caterpillars and sting them to induce paralysis, then transport prey back to nest . are frequently observed visiting wildflowers for nectar. Males can be distinguished by hooked tips and less robust build.

Ecological Role

of caterpillars, including in containing agricultural and garden pests. Contributes to pollination through nectar feeding.

Human Relevance

Beneficial insect that helps control caterpillar pests in gardens and agricultural settings. Will readily occupy artificial nest blocks (" blocks" or "bee condos") provided by humans, making it accessible for observation and study. Non-aggressive; does not defend nests vigorously and rarely stings.

Similar Taxa

Euodynerus annulatusSimilar size and distribution, but E. annulatus excavates burrows with mud chimneys rather than using pre-existing cavities, and has less angulate propodeum with non-reflexed tergite margins.
Euodynerus hidalgo hidalgoSouthern with overlapping ; separated primarily by geographic distribution.
Euodynerus hidalgo boreoorientalisEastern distinguished by near-absence of red markings, being mostly black with sparse yellow markings.