Pseudomasaris micheneri
Bohart, 1963
Pseudomasaris micheneri is a pollen wasp in the Masarinae, described by Bohart in 1963. Like other members of its , it is a solitary that constructs mud nests and provisions with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The belongs to a group of wasps that exhibit oligolectic pollination relationships, primarily visiting flowers in the genera Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon. Males are known to exhibit , perching at elevated sites to await females.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pseudomasaris micheneri: //ˌsjuːdoʊˈmæsərɪs mɪˈkɛnɛri//
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Identification
Pseudomasaris micheneri can be distinguished from social vespids by the absence of a longitudinal fold when at rest and by its clubbed . Males have longer, clubbed antennae compared to females. The is similar to other Pseudomasaris species and requires careful examination for definitive identification.
Habitat
Found in western North American where flowers occur, including areas with Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon.
Distribution
Western North America. The Pseudomasaris occurs from Washington state south to California, Arizona, and New Mexico, east to Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota; specific distribution records for P. micheneri are limited.
Diet
feed on nectar. Females provision nest with pollen and nectar collected from flowers, primarily in the Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon.
Life Cycle
Solitary nesting . Females construct mud nests containing several , each provisioned with pollen and nectar and containing a single . Nests are typically attached beneath stones or in sheltered situations, though some in the attach nests to exposed twigs.
Behavior
Males exhibit , perching at elevated sites to locate females. Males patrol flower patches likely to be visited by females. Females are active flower visitors, collecting pollen and nectar for nest provisioning.
Ecological Role
of Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon flowers through its oligolectic foraging .
Similar Taxa
- Pseudomasaris vespoidesSimilar pollen wasp in the same , also visiting Penstemon flowers; males similarly exhibit with long, clubbed
- Pseudomasaris maculifronsCongeneric pollen wasp with similar and male ; males perch repeatedly at the same summit locations for extended periods
- Social Vespidae (yellowjackets, hornets, paper wasps)Superficially similar in size and coloration but distinguished by longitudinal fold at rest, lack of clubbed , and social nesting with prey-based provisioning