Autumn-flower-visitor
Guides
Myzinum
New World Banded Thynnid Wasps
Myzinum is a genus of thynnid wasps containing approximately 63 recognized species, with 10 species occurring in North America. Adults measure 7–24 mm and exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism: males are slender with long, straight antennae and a prominent curled pseudostinger at the abdomen tip, while females are robust with short, coiled antennae and stout legs adapted for digging. These wasps are parasitoids of scarab beetle grubs, particularly Phyllophaga species, and are used as biological control agents. They are most diverse in the Neotropics and are commonly observed visiting autumn wildflowers such as goldenrod and thoroughwort.
Myzinum carolinianum
Myzinum carolinianum is a thynnid wasp species native to North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly those in the genus Phyllophaga. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: males are slender with long, straight antennae and a prominent curved pseudostinger (external genitalia), while females are larger-bodied with robust abdomens, stouter legs adapted for digging, and short, coiled antennae. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, frequently visiting flowers such as goldenrod and thoroughwort.
Myzinum dubiosum
Myzinum dubiosum is a species of thynnid wasp in North America. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are slender with long, straight antennae and a prominent curled pseudostinger (part of the external genitalia), while females are larger-bodied with robust abdoments, stouter legs adapted for digging, and short, coiled antennae. The species is a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly Phyllophaga species. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, frequently visiting flowers such as goldenrod and thoroughwort.
Myzinum obscurum
Myzinum obscurum is a species of thynnid wasp native to the Eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly those in the genus Phyllophaga. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males have slender bodies, long straight antennae, and a prominent curled pseudostinger (modified genitalia), while females are larger and more robust with short coiled antennae and stout legs adapted for digging. Taxonomic placement has shifted historically, with the genus formerly placed in Tiphiidae but now recognized in Thynnidae.