Stenodynerus

Saussure, 1864

Species Guides

18

Stenodynerus is a large of potter wasps ( Eumeninae) distributed across the Nearctic, Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. Females are known to provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The genus is morphologically close to Parancistrocerus, Hypancistrocerus, and Eustenancistrocerus, with which it shares diagnostic features including medial pits on the pronotum and expanded tegulae. Most lack a transverse carina on the first metasomal .

Stenodynerus anormis by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.Stenodynerus blandoides by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.Stenodynerus blandoides by no rights reserved, uploaded by Robbie Hannawacker. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Stenodynerus: //ˌstiː.nəʊˈdaɪ.nə.rəs//

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Identification

Stenodynerus are distinguished from related by a pair of medial pits on the of the pronotum and the expansion of the tegulae. Most species lack a transverse carina on the first metasomal . The genus is difficult to distinguish from Parancistrocerus in the field; live specimens and even microscope examination often cannot reliably separate the two genera. Males have the last antennal segment folded like a finger against the adjacent segment.

Images

Habitat

Cavity-nesting that utilize pre-existing holes such as old borings in dead wood, hollow twigs, and artificial blocks. One species, S. otomitus, was previously considered a ground-nester but has been found emerging from exposed .

Distribution

Nearctic, Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. Specific country records include Panama (S. iolans, S. farias, S. otomitus) and Colombia (S. otomitus).

Diet

Females feed on caterpillars, which they paralyze and provision in nest as food for their larval offspring.

Behavior

Solitary nesting . Females create series of within pre-existing cavities, provisioning each with paralyzed caterpillars before laying an and sealing the cell. Males have been observed foraging on flowers.

Ecological Role

of caterpillars; contributes to natural pest control. Serves as for parasitic including chrysidids (Ipsiura pilifrons observed emerging from S. otomitus ).

Human Relevance

Occasionally found in artificial blocks installed for conservation. Females contribute to caterpillar control in gardens and natural areas.

Similar Taxa

  • ParancistrocerusExtremely similar ; difficult or impossible to distinguish from Stenodynerus in images of live specimens and often even with microscope examination. Both share cavity-nesting habits and caterpillar-provisioning .
  • HypancistrocerusClose phylogenetic relationship; shares diagnostic features of medial pronotal pits and expanded tegulae.
  • EustenancistrocerusClose phylogenetic relationship; shares diagnostic features of medial pronotal pits and expanded tegulae.

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Sources and further reading