Mason-wasp
Guides
Ancistrocerus
mason wasps, potter wasps
Ancistrocerus is a genus of solitary mason wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae. Females construct nests using mud, either in pre-existing cavities or as free-form mud cells attached to hard surfaces. They provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. Males are distinguished by hooked antennae tips. The genus has a nearly worldwide distribution, with notable species in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ancistrocerus adiabatus
Bramble Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus adiabatus is a small potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as the Bramble Mason Wasp. Adults reach approximately 11 mm in length. This species is notable as the first documented case of large-scale migration in eumenine wasps, with 44,000–68,000 individuals observed moving through a migration corridor in southwestern Ontario in less than an hour. It is multivoltine, producing multiple generations per year.
Ancistrocerus adiabatus cytainus
Ancistrocerus adiabatus cytainus is a subspecies of mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. As a member of the genus Ancistrocerus, it shares the characteristic transverse carina (ridge) on the base of the first abdominal segment that distinguishes this genus from other eumenine wasps. The subspecies was described by Cameron in 1906. Like other mason wasps in this genus, it is presumed to be a solitary nester that provisions its offspring with paralyzed caterpillars.
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 bustamente
Ancistrocerus bustamente is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Like other members of its genus, it constructs nests using mud and provisions them with paralyzed caterpillars for its larvae. The species was described by de Saussure in 1857.
Ancistrocerus campestris
Walden's Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus campestris is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. Adults reach approximately 10 mm in length. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities such as beetle borings in wood, hollow twigs, or abandoned mud dauber nests, partitioning them with mud into individual cells. The species is distinguished by distinctive yellow markings on the abdomen and a characteristic pattern on the rear of the thorax. It preys specifically on caterpillars of the moth families Amphisbatidae and Gelechiidae.
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 gazella
European potter wasp, European tube wasp
Ancistrocerus gazella is a solitary potter wasp native to Europe, known for constructing mud nests in pre-existing cavities. Females provision single-celled nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae, sealing nests with mud. Adults feed on nectar and aphid honeydew. The species has been introduced to New Zealand, where it is now established. Males cannot sting, and female stings are not painful to humans.
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 tuberculocephalus
Ancistrocerus tuberculocephalus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. The species is divided into two subspecies with distinct geographic ranges in western North America. Females nest in pre-existing cavities including abandoned mud dauber nests, hollowed sumac twigs, and old beetle borings in dead wood. They provision each cell with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their developing larvae. The species has been observed feeding on aphid honeydew.
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.
Auplopus mellipes
Red-legged Spider Wasp
Auplopus mellipes is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud cells to house their paralyzed spider prey and developing larvae. The species has a widespread distribution across North America and is most active during summer months. Unlike many spider wasps that dig burrows, Auplopus species are unique among Pompilidae for their free-standing mud nest construction.
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 annulatus imperialis
Euodynerus annulatus imperialis is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. As a subspecies of the widespread E. annulatus, it shares the species' distinctive burrow-nesting behavior, including construction of curved mud chimneys aboveground. The subspecies exhibits color and marking variations characteristic of the three western subspecies of E. annulatus. Females provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars from moth families Crambidae, Pyralidae, and Noctuidae.
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 hidalgo
Hidalgo Mason Wasp
Euodynerus hidalgo is a widespread mason wasp (subfamily Eumeninae) found across North America from the Atlantic to Pacific coasts. The species is divided into three subspecies with variable coloration, ranging from predominantly black with yellow markings to forms with reduced red markings. Females nest in pre-existing cavities including abandoned mud dauber nests, solitary bee burrows, and even mortar crevices in buildings. Like other mason wasps, they provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae.
Euodynerus hidalgo boreoorientalis
A subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, distributed along the Eastern Seaboard of North America. Females nest in pre-existing cavities such as old bee or beetle borings in twigs and stalks, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars. This subspecies is distinguished from the nominate form by reduced red coloration, appearing mostly black with sparse yellow markings.
Euodynerus hidalgo hidalgo
Euodynerus hidalgo hidalgo is a subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. It is one of three subspecies of E. hidalgo, distinguished by its coloration and distribution in the southern United States and Mexico. The wasp nests in pre-existing cavities such as mortar crevices, abandoned mud dauber nests, and old solitary bee burrows. Females provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars for their larval offspring.
Euodynerus hidalgo viereckii
A subspecies of mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, Euodynerus hidalgo viereckii is one of three subspecies of the widespread species E. hidalgo. The species ranges across the United States from coast to coast, with this subspecies occurring in the western portion of the range. Females nest in pre-existing cavities including abandoned nests of other wasps and old solitary bee burrows, provisioning cells with paralyzed caterpillars.
Euodynerus leucomelas
Black-and-white Mason Wasp
Euodynerus leucomelas is a mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as the Black-and-white Mason Wasp. It is widely distributed across the conterminous United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed caterpillars for its larval offspring. The species exhibits the typical 'chunky' thorax morphology characteristic of Euodynerus.
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.
Leptochilus rufinodus
Leptochilus rufinodus is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae. The species was described by Cresson in 1868. As a member of Leptochilus, it belongs to a genus characterized by small, slender mason wasps that construct mud nests. Very few observations of this species exist in public databases, indicating it may be genuinely rare, geographically restricted, or underreported.
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.
Monobia quadridens
Four-toothed Mason Wasp, Carpenter Wasp
Monobia quadridens is a solitary potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, native to eastern North America. Adults are striking black-and-white insects with a distinctive broad ivory band across the first abdominal tergite. The species is bivoltine, producing two generations annually, with one generation overwintering as pupae. Females construct multi-celled nests in pre-existing cavities, provisioning each cell with paralyzed caterpillars for their larvae.
Pachodynerus erynnis
Red-marked Pachodynerus Wasp, Red and Black Mason Wasp
Pachodynerus erynnis is a solitary mason wasp that specializes in hunting caterpillars to provision its nests. Unlike social wasps, it does not form colonies but constructs individual nests in pre-existing cavities. The species is valued as a biological control agent, targeting economically significant caterpillar pests including armyworms, cutworms, and loopers. Its frequent visits to flowers for nectar make it a minor pollinator as well.
Pachodynerus guadulpensis
Pachodynerus guadulpensis is a solitary mason wasp native to the Americas, ranging from Mexico through Central America into the southern United States (Arizona, California, Texas). This species belongs to the potter and mason wasp subfamily Eumeninae. Females construct linear nests of cylindrical mud cells in pre-existing cavities, primarily provisioning them with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The species exhibits distinctive abdominal coloration with an extra yellow stripe across the front of the abdomen that separates it from its congener P. nasidens.
Pachodynerus nasidens
Keyhole Wasp
Pachodynerus nasidens, commonly known as the keyhole wasp, is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Native to the Neotropics, it has been introduced to Hawaii, Micronesia, Australia, and the northern United States. The species exhibits remarkable nesting plasticity, utilizing abandoned insect galleries, human-made cavities, and even aircraft pitot tubes. Females provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The species has gained notoriety for causing aviation safety incidents by blocking pitot probes with mud nests, leading to unreliable airspeed readings.
Pachodynerus pulverulentus
Keyhole wasp
Pachodynerus pulverulentus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as a keyhole wasp. It belongs to a genus of wasps that utilize pre-existing cavities in wood—such as abandoned beetle galleries, old nail holes, or hollow twigs—as nesting sites. Like other Pachodynerus species, females provision these cavities with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their developing larvae. The species was described by Viereck in 1908 and is part of a group of wasps known for their opportunistic nesting behavior and importance as biological control agents of caterpillar pests.
Parancistrocerus
potter wasps, mason wasps
Parancistrocerus is a large genus of solitary potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae, distributed across the Nearctic, eastern Palearctic, Oriental, and Neotropical regions. The genus is distinguished by a unique morphological feature: a smooth depression at the base of the second metasomal tergum that functions as an acarinarium, providing shelter for symbiotic deutonymphs of mites in the family Winterschmidtiidae. Species are often difficult to distinguish from the related genus Stenodynerus, sharing medial pits on the anterior pronotum and expanded tegulae. Most species possess a transverse carina on the first metasomal tergum, and many Neotropical species exhibit a faint submetallic body luster.
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.