Parancistrocerus perennis anacardivora

Difficult to distinguish from Stenodynerus species based on images of live specimens; microscopic examination of actual specimens often required for definitive identification. The subspecies anacardivora can be recognized by reddish markings along the side of the first abdominal segment, though this trait is limited to southern specimens. Specimens west of the Mississippi River are rare; the species has been recorded only in Kansas west of the river.

Utilizes pre-existing cavities including hollow twigs, particularly sumac, and beetle borings in dead wood. Will occupy artificial nest blocks with holes of appropriate diameter. Nesting sites are typically in sheltered, south-facing locations at least three feet above ground.

Southern portion of the species range, from southern Ontario to Florida and west to the Mississippi River. The nominate subspecies occurs in northern areas; anacardivora occurs in southern regions. West of the Mississippi River, the species has been recorded only in Kansas.

Active through the growing season; adults observed nectaring on wildflowers and hunting caterpillars. One observation from New Jersey on October 18 suggests late-season activity in northern parts of the range.

Adult females hunt caterpillars of the families Coleophoridae (casebearer moths) and Tortricidae (leafroller moths) to provision nest cells. Adults nectar on wildflowers including boneset, rattlesnake master, and goldenrod species.

Females construct multi-celled nests in hollow twigs or cavities, building from the bottom up. Each cell is provisioned with multiple paralyzed caterpillars, followed by a single egg laid on the last victim. Cells are sealed with partitions of sand glued together with saliva. Development occurs within the sealed cell, with larvae feeding on the provided caterpillars.

Solitary nesting behavior. Females hunt caterpillars that are concealed in leaf rolls or protective cases, subduing them with a sting. Hunting success against well-protected prey such as tortricid leafrollers (which can escape by dropping on silk threads) and coleophorid casebearers (which live inside hardened fecal cases) has been observed despite these defenses.

Predator of caterpillars in families Coleophoridae and Tortricidae. Serves as potential host for parasitic wasps in family Sapygidae, which lay eggs in provisioned nests.

Beneficial as biological control of caterpillar pests. Will occupy artificial bee/wasp blocks, making it observable for study and photography. Can be attracted to gardens with appropriate nesting habitat and floral resources.

• Stenodynerus speciesExtremely similar in appearance; cannot be distinguished from Parancistrocerus perennis based on images of live specimens in most cases; microscopic examination required
• Parancistrocerus perennis (nominate subspecies)Lacks the reddish lateral markings on the first abdominal segment characteristic of southern anacardivora specimens

• mason wasp
• solitary wasp
• caterpillar predator
• cavity nester
• Eumeninae

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Parancistrocerus perennis
• Bug Eric: More Drama at the Bee Block
• clubmoss | Beetles In The Bush