Stenodynerus lucidus
(Rohwer, 1917)
Stenodynerus lucidus is a small solitary mason wasp in the Eumeninae. The was described by Rohwer in 1917 and is currently considered a synonym of Rhynchalastor lucidus by some taxonomic authorities, though it remains listed under Stenodynerus in other sources. Like other eumenine , it nests in pre-existing cavities and provisions its with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stenodynerus lucidus: //ˌstɛnoʊˈdaɪnərəs ˈluːsɪdəs//
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Identification
Stenodynerus lucidus is extremely difficult to distinguish from Parancistrocerus based on images of live specimens. Under microscopic examination, subtle morphological differences in structural features may allow separation, but these characters are not visible in field photographs. The Stenodynerus as a whole can be separated from some similar eumenines by features of the propodeum and petiole structure, though specific characters for S. lucidus are not well documented in accessible literature.
Behavior
Females are known to use pre-existing tunnels such as old borings in dead wood or hollow twigs for nesting. They provision nest with paralyzed caterpillars as food for larval offspring, a typical for mason wasps in the Eumeninae.
Similar Taxa
- Parancistrocerus sp.Extremely similar in size, coloration, and pattern; cannot be reliably separated from Stenodynerus lucidus in most images of live specimens or even with actual specimens under a microscope in many cases
- Stenodynerus other speciesCongeneric share the general body plan and cavity-nesting , though specific distinguishing characters for S. lucidus relative to are not well documented