Long-waisted Paper Wasps
Mischocyttarus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Vespoidea
- Family: Vespidae
- Subfamily: Polistinae
- Genus: Mischocyttarus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mischocyttarus: //ˌmɪʃəˈsɪtərəs//
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Summary
Mischocyttarus is a large genus of social wasps, primarily found in the Neotropics, known for their unique nest-building behavior and flexibility in social structures.
Physical Characteristics
Mischocyttarus wasps feature strongly asymmetrical meso- and metatarsomeres 3 and 4, with a narrow elongate petiole forming the first gastric segment.
Identification Tips
Look for the asymmetrical tarsal lobes that differentiate Mischocyttarus from Epiponini tribe wasps.
Habitat
Primarily found in Neotropical regions, with some species occurring in the Nearctic area.
Distribution
New World, primarily Neotropical regions.
Diet
Adults forage for nectar and small caterpillars, which they bring back to the nest to feed developing larvae.
Life Cycle
Mischocyttarus wasps have a social structure with developing larvae housed individually in separate cells within the nest.
Reproduction
Not all nests contain a female with developed ovaries, allowing for greater reproductive flexibility compared to related genera.
Ecosystem Role
Mischocyttarus wasps might play a role in pollination and serve as a food source for various predators.
Collecting Methods
- Net collecting from vegetation
- Using bait traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinning specimens
Evolution
Mischocyttarus is the only member of the tribe Mischocyttarini, and its evolutionary characteristics include asymmetrical tarsal lobes.
Similar Taxa
- Polistes
- Epiponini
Misconceptions
Due to their similarities with other social wasps, some people may confuse them with Polistes wasps.
Tags
- social wasps
- Neotropical
- Mischocyttarus