Eumeninae
Guides
Ancistrocerus albolacteus
Ancistrocerus albolacteus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae. Like other members of the genus Ancistrocerus, it nests in pre-existing cavities and provisions its young with paralyzed caterpillars. The species is part of a diverse group of potter and mason wasps that play important roles in controlling moth populations.
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus
White-banded Potter Wasp
Ancistrocerus albophaleratus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as the White-banded Potter Wasp. Like other Ancistrocerus species, it is a cavity-nesting wasp that constructs nests using mud in pre-existing hollows. The species is part of a genus characterized by distinctive morphological traits including a transverse carina on the first abdominal segment. It is native to North America with confirmed records in the northeastern United States.
Ancistrocerus capra
Ancistrocerus capra is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Like other Ancistrocerus species, females construct nests using mud, either in pre-existing cavities or as free-form structures attached to hard surfaces. They provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their developing larvae. The species exhibits the characteristic hooked antennae in males typical of many eumenine wasps.
Ancistrocerus capra spenceri
Ancistrocerus capra spenceri is a subspecies of mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it is a solitary wasp that constructs mud nests and provisions them with paralyzed caterpillars for its developing larvae. The specific biology and distribution of this subspecies have not been well documented in available literature.
Ancistrocerus lineativentris
Ancistrocerus lineativentris is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, family Vespidae. It is one of approximately 70 species in the genus Ancistrocerus, which occurs primarily in the Holarctic region. Like other eumenine wasps, it is a solitary nester that provisions its offspring with paralyzed caterpillars. The species was described by Cameron in 1906, but detailed natural history information specific to this species remains limited in published sources.
Ancistrocerus lutonidus
Ancistrocerus lutonidus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1974. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it shares the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal segment that characterizes this group. The species belongs to a genus of primarily solitary wasps that nest in pre-existing cavities or construct free-form mud nests, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars for their developing larvae.
Ancistrocerus parietum
Wall Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus parietum is a solitary mason wasp native to Europe that was introduced to North America, first recorded from Ithaca, New York in 1916. It has since gradually extended its range across the northeastern United States and into Canada. The species is associated with dead deciduous wood for nesting and has shown population decline in parts of its native range, possibly due to habitat loss. Populations in southern Finland may produce two generations per year.
Ancistrocerus spilogaster
Ancistrocerus spilogaster is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Cameron in 1905. As with other members of the genus Ancistrocerus, it exhibits the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal tergum. The species is part of a diverse genus of potter and mason wasps that construct nests using mud and provision cells with paralyzed caterpillars for their developing larvae. Specific biological details for A. spilogaster remain poorly documented in published sources.
Ancistrocerus spinolae
Spinola's Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus spinolae is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as Spinola's Mason Wasp. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it shares the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal segment that characterizes this group. Like other eumenine wasps, it is a solitary nester that provisions its offspring with paralyzed caterpillars. The species was described by de Saussure in 1856 and has been documented through 204 iNaturalist observations.
Ancistrocerus undescribed-b
Ancistrocerus undescribed-b is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it possesses the diagnostic transverse carina on the first abdominal segment. The species constructs free-form mud nests attached to hard surfaces, provisioning cells with paralyzed moth caterpillars for larval development.
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus
One-banded Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities such as abandoned mud dauber nests, beetle borings in wood, or hollow twigs. The species hunts leafroller caterpillars (family Tortricidae), using a distinctive behavioral strategy to extract prey from silk-bound leaf rolls. It occurs throughout the eastern United States west to Iowa, Kansas, and Texas, plus southern Ontario, Quebec, and Prince Edward Island in Canada.
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus unifasciatus
Ancistrocerus unifasciatus unifasciatus is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Females are mid-sized with forewing lengths of 9.5-12 mm, while males measure 6.5-9 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in facial markings: males possess a large yellow patch on the face, while females have only a couple of spots. This solitary wasp nests in pre-existing cavities, particularly abandoned mud dauber nests, and provisions its young with paralyzed caterpillars.
Cephalodynerus russipes
Cephalodynerus russipes is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, first described by Bohart in 1942. The genus Cephalodynerus is characterized by distinctive head morphology with expanded genae (cheek regions), though species-specific traits for C. russipes remain poorly documented. This species belongs to a group of solitary wasps that construct mud nests provisioned with paralyzed caterpillars.
Delta
potter wasps
Delta is a genus of Old World potter wasps in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. The genus was established by Henri Louis Frédéric de Saussure in 1855. Species are predominantly distributed through tropical Africa and Asia, with some representation in the Palearctic region. A few species have been introduced to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Delta wasps construct characteristic pot-shaped mud nests and provision them with paralyzed caterpillars for their developing larvae.
Delta higletti
Delta higletti is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, first described by Meade-Waldo in 1910. The genus Delta comprises solitary wasps known for constructing mud nests with characteristic pot-shaped cells. Records for this species remain limited, with 39 observations documented on iNaturalist suggesting it is infrequently encountered or understudied. As with other eumenine wasps, females provision nest cells with paralyzed prey, primarily caterpillars, to feed developing larvae.
Delta higletti rendalli
Delta higletti rendalli is a subspecies of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It was described by Bingham in 1902. Like other members of the genus Delta, it is a solitary wasp that constructs mud nests. The species is part of a diverse group of vespid wasps known for their distinctive nest-building behavior using mud or clay.
Dolichodynerus vandykei
Dolichodynerus vandykei is a species of potter wasp in the family Vespidae, described by Bohart in 1950. It belongs to the genus Dolichodynerus, which is characterized by elongated body proportions. The species epithet honors the entomologist Edwin C. Van Dyke, whose name appears in multiple other insect species. As a member of the Eumeninae subfamily, it is a solitary wasp that constructs nest cells from mud.
Eumenes
potter wasps
Eumenes is the type genus of the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as potter wasps. This large and widespread genus contains over 100 taxa (species and subspecies), predominantly distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Females construct distinctive free-form mud nests—urn-shaped cells about the size of a marble, often with fluted necks—each housing a single offspring provisioned with paralyzed caterpillars. The genus is characterized by black or brown coloration with striking contrasting patterns of yellow, white, orange, or red.
Eumenes bollii
Boll's Potter Wasp
Eumenes bollii, commonly known as Boll's Potter Wasp, is a solitary potter wasp in the family Vespidae. The species is named for its distinctive nest construction: females craft small, urn-shaped mud cells resembling miniature pottery. These nests are provisioned with paralyzed caterpillars that serve as food for the developing larva. The wasp is part of the diverse Eumeninae subfamily, which includes many species with similar mud-nesting behaviors.
Eumenes consobrinus
Eumenes consobrinus is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. The genus Eumenes is known for females that construct distinctive free-form mud nests resembling small urns or pots with fluted necks, approximately the size of a marble. Each nest contains a single cell provisioned with paralyzed caterpillars as food for the developing larva. The species was first described by de Saussure in 1856.
Eumenes mediterraneus
Mediterranean Potter Wasp
A solitary potter wasp species in the subfamily Eumeninae, recognized by its distinctive mud nest construction. Females build small urn-shaped nests attached to hard surfaces, provisioning them with paralyzed caterpillars before laying a single egg. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in antennae structure, with males possessing curled antennal tips. Two subspecies are recognized: E. m. mediterraneus and E. m. cypricus.
Eumenes smithii
Smith's Potter Wasp
Eumenes smithii is a species of potter wasp in the family Vespidae, known for constructing distinctive mud nests resembling small urns or pots. The species was described by de Saussure in 1852 and is one of numerous Eumenes species distributed across North America. Like other potter wasps, females are solitary and provision their nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The common name 'Smith's Potter Wasp' reflects both its nest-building behavior and its specific epithet.
Eumenes verticalis
Vertical potter wasp
Eumenes verticalis is a solitary potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, known for constructing distinctive urn-shaped mud nests. Females build marble-sized clay vessels with fluted necks, provision them with paralyzed caterpillars, and lay a single egg inside before sealing the nest with a mud plug. The larva develops within, feeding on the fresh prey, then pupates and emerges by chewing an exit hole in the side of the pot. Like other solitary wasps, it poses minimal sting risk to humans.
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potter wasps, mason wasps
Euodynerus is a genus of solitary potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae, characterized by diverse nesting behaviors including the use of pre-existing cavities, mud construction, and in some species, burrow excavation with distinctive mud chimneys. The genus has a primarily Holarctic distribution with extensions into tropical regions. Females provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. Several species are widespread across North America and have been documented using artificial nest blocks.
Euodynerus annulatus
mason wasp
Euodynerus annulatus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, notable for its unusual nesting behavior among its relatives. Unlike most mason wasps that use pre-existing cavities, females excavate their own burrows in soil and construct distinctive curved mud chimneys aboveground. The species is widespread across North America with five recognized subspecies showing considerable variation in coloration and markings. It provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars from several moth families for its larval offspring.
Euodynerus annulatus arvensis
Euodynerus annulatus arvensis is a subspecies of the mason wasp Euodynerus annulatus, one of five subspecies of this widespread North American species. Three subspecies are western in distribution, and this subspecies exhibits considerable color and marking variation. Females construct distinctive burrows with curved mud chimneys above ground, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars from several moth families.
Euodynerus apopkensis
Euodynerus apopkensis is a mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, family Vespidae. As a member of the genus Euodynerus, it shares the characteristic blocky, angular thorax typical of this group. The species is one of numerous North American Euodynerus, though specific biological details remain poorly documented in published literature. Like other mason wasps, females likely nest in pre-existing cavities and provision cells with paralyzed caterpillars for their larval offspring.
Euodynerus auranus
Euodynerus auranus is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is recognized as a valid species with four described subspecies: E. a. albivestis, E. a. aquilus, E. a. auranus, and E. a. azotopus. As a member of the genus Euodynerus, it shares the characteristic stinging capability and solitary nesting behavior typical of mason wasps.
Euodynerus auranus azotopus
Euodynerus auranus azotopus is a subspecies of mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. As a member of the genus Euodynerus, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for nesting in pre-existing cavities and provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars for their larval offspring. The subspecies was described by Bohart in 1939. Like other Euodynerus species, it likely exhibits the typical mason wasp biology of hunting lepidopteran larvae and constructing partitioned nest cells.
Euodynerus bidens
Euodynerus bidens is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, characterized by distinctive mandibular morphology with two teeth. The species is part of a widespread North American genus known for nesting in pre-existing cavities and provisioning nests with paralyzed caterpillars. Like congeners, it likely serves as a biological control agent for pest moth larvae.
Euodynerus exoglyphus
Euodynerus exoglyphus is a mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1939. Like other members of the genus Euodynerus, it is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars for its larval offspring. The species is part of a diverse genus of potter and mason wasps found across North America.
Euodynerus guerrero
Euodynerus guerrero is a mason wasp species in the subfamily Eumeninae, first described by de Saussure in 1857. The specific epithet refers to the Mexican state of Guerrero, where the species was likely first collected. Like other members of the genus, it is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars for its larval offspring. The species is part of a diverse genus of potter and mason wasps distributed across the Americas.
Euodynerus megaera
Euodynerus megaera is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. The species was described by Lepeletier in 1841. Like other members of the genus, it is a predatory wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars for its larval offspring.
Euodynerus schwarzi
Euodynerus schwarzi is a Nearctic species of potter wasp in the family Vespidae, first described by Krombein in 1962. As a member of the mason wasp genus Euodynerus, it likely exhibits the typical solitary nesting behavior characteristic of Eumeninae, though specific life history details remain poorly documented. The species is distinguished from congeners by subtle morphological features and geographic distribution patterns.
Euodynerus tempiferus
Euodynerus tempiferus is a species of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. As a member of the genus Euodynerus, it shares characteristics with other solitary vespid wasps that provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars for their larval offspring. The species was described by Viereck in 1908. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources, though it likely exhibits the general nesting behaviors typical of the genus, including use of pre-existing cavities or self-excavated burrows.
Euodynerus undescribed-f
An undescribed species of mason wasp in the genus Euodynerus, family Vespidae. As with other members of this genus, it is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars for its larval offspring. The specific identity and distinguishing characteristics of this taxon remain undocumented pending formal scientific description.
Euodynerus undescribed-g
Euodynerus undescribed-g is a mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae that has not yet received a formal scientific name. As an undescribed species within the well-studied genus Euodynerus, it shares the characteristic blocky, angular thorax typical of many congeners. The genus Euodynerus contains numerous widespread North American species with diverse nesting habits, including use of pre-existing cavities, mud construction, and soil excavation. This particular undescribed form awaits formal taxonomic description.
Gastrodynerus vanduzeei
Gastrodynerus vanduzeei is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1948. The genus Gastrodynerus is a small group within the Vespidae, and this species is among the least documented members of the family. Very few observations or collections have been recorded, with iNaturalist showing only four observations total. The specific epithet honors the entomologist Edward P. Van Duzee.
Leptochiloides
Leptochiloides is a genus of potter wasps restricted to arid regions of southwestern North America. The genus was established by Bohart in 1940 and is characterized by structural features including pilose (hairy) labial palpi. It shows morphological affinities with the genus Pterocheilus.
Leptochilus republicanus
Leptochilus republicanus is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. The name was published by Dalla Torre in 1853. Current taxonomic sources treat this as a synonym of Cyrtolabulus mutinensis. The species has been documented in 67 iNaturalist observations, suggesting it is an infrequently recorded but recognized taxon among naturalists. As a member of Eumeninae, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for constructing mud nests.
Maricopodynerus optimus
Maricopodynerus optimus is a species of potter wasp (subfamily Eumeninae) described by Bohart in 1988. The genus Maricopodynerus is part of the vespid wasp family and comprises species that construct mud nests. Like other eumenine wasps, this species is solitary and provisions its nests with paralyzed prey for larval development.
Monobia
Four-toothed Mason Wasp (for M. quadridens), Carpenter Wasp, Mason Wasp
Monobia is a genus of medium-sized to large potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae, distributed primarily across the Neotropical region from the United States to Argentina. The genus is closely related to Montezumia. The most well-documented species, Monobia quadridens (Four-toothed Mason Wasp), is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars and constructs mud partitions between brood cells.
Monobia arizonensis
Monobia arizonensis is a species of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Like other members of the genus Monobia, it is presumed to be a solitary wasp that utilizes pre-existing cavities for nesting. The species is native to the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona. Very little specific information has been published about its biology compared to the better-known congener Monobia quadridens.
Odynerus dilectus
A potter wasp species in the subfamily Eumeninae, recorded from the United States and Alberta, Canada. Females construct distinctive turrets at nest entrances and provision nests with prey, primarily alfalfa weevil larvae in agricultural contexts, though small caterpillars have also been documented as prey. The species has been investigated as a potential biological control agent for alfalfa weevil (Hypera postica) in integrated pest management programs.
Parancistrocerus bicornis
Parancistrocerus bicornis is a small mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Roberts in 1901. Like other members of the genus, it is a solitary, cavity-nesting wasp that provisions its nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae. The species is part of a taxonomically challenging group where live specimens and even microscope examination often cannot reliably distinguish between closely related species such as Parancistrocerus and Stenodynerus.
Parancistrocerus bicornis ceanothi
Parancistrocerus bicornis ceanothi is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It belongs to a genus of small, solitary cavity-nesting wasps that provision their nests with paralyzed caterpillars. The subspecies name "ceanothi" suggests a potential association with Ceanothus host plants, though this relationship requires verification. Like other Parancistrocerus species, it likely nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow twigs or beetle borings.
Parancistrocerus declivatus
potter wasp
Parancistrocerus declivatus is a potter wasp in the family Vespidae, native to the southern coastal regions of California and Baja California. Originally described in the genus Stenodynerus, it was later transferred to Parancistrocerus. The type locality is La Laguna in the Sierra Laguna mountains of Baja California. Like other members of the subfamily Eumeninae, it is a solitary wasp that constructs nests from mud or other materials.
Parancistrocerus fulvipes
potter wasp
Parancistrocerus fulvipes is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, commonly known as the potter wasp. The species is recognized for its flexible nesting behavior, utilizing pre-existing cavities rather than constructing free-standing mud pots. It provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae. Two subspecies are recognized: P. f. fulvipes and P. f. rufovestis.
Parancistrocerus fulvipes rufovestis
Parancistrocerus fulvipes rufovestis is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1948. It belongs to a genus of small solitary wasps that nest in pre-existing cavities and provision their offspring with paralyzed caterpillars. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation within the species P. fulvipes, with rufovestis representing a distinct population.
Parancistrocerus leionotus
potter wasp, mason wasp
Parancistrocerus leionotus is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Unlike most related species in its genus, it has been documented using small cavities in rocks or concrete as nest sites rather than the more typical hollow twigs or plant stems. The species was described by Viereck in 1906 and is recognized as a valid taxon in major biological databases.