Stenodynerus
Stenodynerus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Vespoidea
- Family: Vespidae
- Subfamily: Eumeninae
- Genus: Stenodynerus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stenodynerus: //ˌstiː.nəʊˈdaɪ.nə.rəs//
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Summary
Stenodynerus is the largest genus of potter wasps in our area, comprising around 48 species, and characterized by certain morphological traits that distinguish them from closely related genera.
Physical Characteristics
Most species lack a transverse carina on the first metasomal tergum. They have a pair of medial pits on the anterior face of the pronotum and expanded tegulae.
Identification Tips
Identification can be aided by examining body morphology specific to Stenodynerus, particularly the metasomal tergum and pronotum characteristics.
Habitat
Distributed across various habitats spanning the Nearctic, Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions.
Distribution
Nearctic, Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions.
Diet
Generally feed on nectar and other plant materials; some species may also use other insects as food sources for their larvae.
Life Cycle
The lifecycle consists of egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae typically being fed by the adult wasps.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid in nests constructed from mud, typically in a potter wasp fashion, where each egg is provisioned with food for the larva.
Predators
Natural predators include birds and other insectivorous animals that may prey on adult wasps or their larvae.
Ecosystem Role
As pollinators and prey for a variety of predators, they play an important role in the ecosystem.
Collecting Methods
- Trapping
- Netting adults around flowers during foraging activities
- Collecting mud nests from habitats
Preservation Methods
- Pinning specimens for taxonomic study
- Drying and storing in a dry environment
Evolution
Stenodynerus is placed close to genera such as Parancistrocerus, Hypancistrocerus, and Eustenancistrocerus based on morphological characteristics.
Similar Taxa
- Parancistrocerus
- Hypancistrocerus
- Eustenancistrocerus
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for more aggressive wasps; however, Stenodynerus species are generally solitary and less aggressive than traditional social wasps.
Tags
- Stenodynerus
- potter wasps
- Hymenoptera
- wasps
- insect diversity