Solitary-wasp
Guides
Ageniella placita
Ageniella placita is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Banks in 1910. As a member of the genus Ageniella, it belongs to a group of small wasps known for ant-mimicry in females and specialized spider-hunting behavior for provisioning nests. The species is part of the Nearctic fauna but is less documented than related species such as A. accepta and A. conflicta. Information specific to A. placita remains sparse in published literature.
Agenioideus humilis
Spider Wasp
Agenioideus humilis is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae that hunts orbweaver spiders (Araneidae) as prey for its larvae. Females paralyze spiders with their sting, then transport them to nest burrows where a single egg is laid on the immobilized host. The species ranges across most of the United States but is considered scarce throughout its distribution. It favors woodland habitats with sandy soil and has been observed nesting in both excavated burrows and pre-existing cavities such as rock crevices and building cracks.
Alysson
Alysson is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae (subfamily Bembicinae, tribe Alyssontini). The genus comprises at least 40 described species distributed across multiple continents. These wasps are part of the diverse assemblage of digger wasps, though specific biological details for the genus as a whole remain incompletely documented. The genus was established by Panzer in 1806 and has undergone taxonomic revisions, with some authorities historically placing it in the family Bembicidae.
Alysson guignardi
Alysson guignardi is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It was described by Provancher in 1887 and occurs in North America, with records from Canada including Manitoba. The species belongs to the tribe Alyssontini, which comprises small to medium-sized digger wasps.
Alysson melleus
Alysson melleus is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (subfamily Bembicinae). It is one of several North American species in the genus Alysson, which belongs to the tribe Alyssontini. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1837 and has been documented in Canada and the United States.
Alysson oppositus
Alysson oppositus is a species of digger wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly Bembicidae). It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1837. Like other members of the genus Alysson, it is a solitary wasp that provisions nests with prey for its larvae.
Ammophila
Thread-waisted Sand Wasps
Ammophila is a large, cosmopolitan genus of solitary hunting wasps in the family Sphecidae, comprising over 200 species distributed across warmer regions of all continents except Antarctica. These thread-waisted wasps are characterized by their elongated, slender petiole connecting the thorax and abdomen, and their distinctive nesting behavior involving burrow excavation and caterpillar provisioning. Females construct underground nests in sandy or compact soils, paralyze caterpillars with their sting, and provide this food source for their developing larvae. The genus serves as a host for Strepsiptera endoparasites and is subject to nest parasitism by satellite flies and other organisms.
Ammophila azteca
Aztec Thread-waisted Wasp
Ammophila azteca is a thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, native to Canada, Mexico, and the continental United States. It ranges from near sea level to over 6,000 feet in elevation. The species exhibits distinctive nesting behavior involving pebble-mediated burrow closures and progressive provisioning of caterpillar prey for its larvae.
Ammophila ferruginosa
Ammophila ferruginosa is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It is one of over sixty species in the genus Ammophila found in North America. Like other members of this genus, it is a solitary wasp that provisions underground nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for its larvae. The species was described by Cresson in 1865 and is recorded from North America, with specific distribution records from Canada including Alberta.
Ammophila formicoides
Ammophila formicoides is a thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, notable for its ant-mimicking appearance and behavior. It is closely related to A. wrightii, with which it forms a distinct species pair characterized by reddish-brown coloration, small size (under 20 mm), and ground-crawling habits that resemble harvester ants. The species exhibits a primitive behavioral trait: excavating the nest burrow after prey collection rather than before. Females provision nests exclusively with inchworm caterpillars (Geometridae).
Ammophila juncea
Ammophila juncea is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae. It belongs to a diverse genus of solitary hunting wasps known for provisioning nests with paralyzed caterpillars. Like other Ammophila species, females construct burrows in sandy soil and provide paralyzed prey for their larval offspring. The species was described by Cresson in 1865 and occurs in North and Middle America.
Ammophila nigricans
thread-waisted wasp
Ammophila nigricans is a large, striking thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, recognized by its deep blue-black body with red abdominal banding and black wings. It is one of the largest eastern species in its genus, comparable in size to A. procera but readily distinguished by its coloration. Females are solitary nesters that excavate burrows in clayey or sandy soil and provision them with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The species ranges across the eastern United States from Kansas and Texas to New England and south to Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana. It appears less common than most other Ammophila species.
Ammophila pictipennis
thread-waisted wasp
Ammophila pictipennis is a thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, widespread in eastern North America and south to Mexico City. It is one of the most common and distinctive members of its genus east of the Rocky Mountains. The species is solitary and nests in sandy or hard-baked soil, provisioning each nest with a single paralyzed caterpillar for its larva. Females exhibit characteristic roosting behavior, gripping vegetation with their mandibles during inclement weather or overnight.
Ammophila placida
Ammophila placida is a thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, found across the continental United States and Central America. Females construct nests in firm soil, provisioning them with 1–5 paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. The species has been documented using small tools such as pebbles or wood pieces to compact nest closures. Larval development is rapid, with eggs hatching in two days and larvae reaching maturity after five days of feeding.
Ammophila procera
Common Thread-waisted Wasp
Ammophila procera is a large, solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, among the most conspicuous members of its genus in North America. Females construct burrows in sandy or compact soils, provision them with paralyzed caterpillar prey, and seal the nest after laying a single egg. The species is notable for its elaborate nest-closing behaviors and landmark-based navigation. Adults feed on flower nectar and are frequently observed visiting blossoms, particularly goldenrod.
Ammophila wrightii
thread-waisted wasp, caterpillar hunter
Ammophila wrightii is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, notable for its ant-mimicking appearance and behavior. It is one of the smaller members of its genus, measuring under 20 mm, and exhibits a distinct reddish-brown coloration. The species is known for its unusual nesting behavior among Ammophila wasps: females excavate burrows only after capturing prey, rather than before. It specializes in hunting inchworm caterpillars (Geometridae) to provision its nests.
Ammoplanina
Ammoplanina is a subtribe of aphid wasps within the family Crabronidae, containing approximately 10 genera and at least 130 described species. These wasps are small, solitary predators that specialize on aphids and related hemipterans. Phylogenetic studies have suggested this group may represent the sister lineage to the superfamily Apoidea (bees and sphecoid wasps), leading some classifications to elevate it to family rank as Ammoplanidae to maintain monophyly of families. The subtribe was established by Evans in 1959.
Ammoplanops
Ammoplanops is a genus of aphid wasps containing approximately 15 described species. These small solitary wasps are classified within the subfamily Pemphredoninae of the family Crabronidae. The genus was established by Gussakovskij in 1931. Species in this genus are specialized predators that provision their nests with aphids.
Ammosphex angularis
Ammosphex angularis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The genus Ammosphex was established to accommodate certain species previously placed in Pompilus. This species was originally described by Banks in 1910 as Pompilus angularis angularis. Spider wasps in this family are solitary predators that paralyze spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The specific epithet 'angularis' likely refers to some angular feature of the body, though the original description would be needed to confirm this.
Ampulichomorpha
Ampulichomorpha is a genus of cockroach wasps in the family Ampulicidae. These solitary wasps are characterized by their specialized predatory behavior targeting cockroaches. The genus represents a distinct lineage within the ampulicid wasps, with species distributed across parts of Asia.
Anacrabro
Anacrabro is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae containing approximately 15 described species. Two species occur in North America north of Mexico: A. ocellatus, widespread east of the Rocky Mountains, and A. boerhaviae in the extreme southwestern U.S. and Mexico. The genus is distinguished from related crabronine wasps by its concave abdominal underside and, in A. ocellatus, by its specialized predation on plant bugs (Miridae) rather than flies.
Anacrabro ocellatus
square-headed wasp
Anacrabro ocellatus is a small (6-7 mm) fossorial wasp in the family Crabronidae. Unlike most related genera in tribe Crabronini that hunt flies, this species specializes in capturing plant bugs (family Miridae) to provision its subterranean nest cells. It is widespread east of the Rocky Mountains in North America, with three recognized subspecies. The species is notable for its potential role in biological control of agricultural pests.
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.
Anoplius
Blue-black Spider Wasps
Anoplius is a large genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as the blue-black spider wasps. The genus contains over 200 described species distributed across multiple subgenera, with approximately 26 species occurring in Colorado alone. Most species are characterized by predominantly black or blue-black coloration, making field identification challenging without close examination. Members of this genus are solitary hunters that prey primarily on spiders, with most species specializing on wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and some exhibiting broader prey preferences.
Anoplius aethiops
Anoplius aethiops is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Females hunt and paralyze wolf spiders (family Lycosidae), particularly species in the genus Hogna, to provision underground burrows for their offspring. The species is widely distributed across North America and is most active in late summer and early fall. It is morphologically similar to Anoplius cleora, requiring microscopic examination for definitive identification.
Anoplius americanus ambiguus
Anoplius americanus ambiguus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. As a member of the genus Anoplius, it belongs to a diverse group of solitary wasps that prey primarily on spiders. The subspecies was described by Dahlbom in 1845. Like other Anoplius species, it likely exhibits the characteristic behaviors of digging burrows, paralyzing spider prey, and provisioning nests for larval development.
Anoplius americanus americanus
Anoplius americanus americanus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Members of the genus Anoplius are solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. This subspecies is part of a widespread North American species complex. Spider wasps in this genus are known for their distinctive hunting behavior and powerful stings used to paralyze prey.
Anoplius americanus trifasciatus
Anoplius americanus trifasciatus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. As part of the genus Anoplius, it shares the general biology of spider wasps: females hunt spiders, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows as food for their larvae. The subspecies designation indicates geographic or morphological variation within the widespread A. americanus species complex. Like other Anoplius species, it is solitary and predatory, with adults likely visiting flowers for nectar.
Anoplius apiculatus
spider wasp
Anoplius apiculatus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is a solitary wasp that preys on spiders, specifically known to hunt the Beach Wolf Spider (Arctosa littoralis). The species is part of the diverse genus Anoplius, which contains numerous spider wasp species across North America. Like other members of its genus, females dig burrows and provision them with paralyzed spiders as food for their developing larvae.
Anoplius atrox
Spider wasp
Anoplius atrox is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is a large, robust wasp with distinctive coloration that has been frequently mistaken for other wasp species by observers. The species is known to prey on spiders, particularly wolf spiders (Lycosidae), which it paralyzes and provisions in underground burrows for its larvae. It has been documented in North America, with records from various regions including the western United States.
Anoplius carolinus
Spider Wasp
Anoplius carolinus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Banks in 1921. The genus Anoplius comprises spider wasps that hunt wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) and other wandering spiders to provision nests for their larvae. Like other members of the genus, this species likely exhibits the characteristic behaviors of digging burrows, paralyzing prey with venom, and laying a single egg on the immobilized spider. The specific epithet 'carolinus' suggests a connection to the Carolinas or southeastern United States, though detailed distributional records are sparse.
Anoplius cleora
Anoplius cleora is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is closely related to and morphologically similar to Anoplius aethiops, requiring microscopic examination to distinguish between the two. The species is associated with open sand dune habitats, where it replaces its congener A. aethiops. Like other members of the genus, it is a solitary hunter that provisions underground nests with paralyzed wolf spiders as food for its larvae.