Pseudomasaris occidentalis

(Cresson, 1871)

Western pollen wasp

Pseudomasaris occidentalis is a solitary in the Masarinae, commonly known as the western pollen wasp. Unlike most wasps that provision their nests with prey, masarine wasps are unique among vespids in feeding their larvae exclusively on pollen and nectar. The is native to western North America and is one of approximately 14 species in the Pseudomasaris, all of which are restricted to North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudomasaris occidentalis: /ˌpsuːdoʊməˈsɛrɪs ˌɑksɪˈdɛntəlɪs/

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Distribution

Western North America

Diet

feed on nectar; larvae are provisioned with pollen and nectar, making this one of the few groups of that are strictly herbivorous.

Ecological Role

Pollen wasps serve as for a variety of flowering plants and represent a distinct ecological guild among Hymenoptera. Their specialized pollen-collecting and larval diet based entirely on floral resources make them functionally similar to bees in their services.

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