Solitary-wasp
Guides
Pseudomasaris maculifrons
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris maculifrons is a solitary pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Unlike predatory social wasps, females construct mud nests provisioned with pollen and nectar rather than insect prey. Males exhibit distinctive hilltopping behavior, perching repeatedly in the same locations on isolated peaks to await females. The species occurs in western North America and is active primarily in spring.
Pseudomasaris marginalis
Pseudomasaris marginalis is a North American pollen wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, family Vespidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary wasp that constructs mud nests provisioned with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Cresson in 1864. Pollen wasps in this genus are distinguished from social vespids by their clubbed antennae and lack of a longitudinal fold when at rest. Males of related species exhibit hilltopping behavior, perching at elevated sites to encounter females.
Pseudomasaris micheneri
Pseudomasaris micheneri is a pollen wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, described by Bohart in 1963. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary wasp that constructs mud nests and provisions cells with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species belongs to a group of wasps that exhibit oligolectic pollination relationships, primarily visiting flowers in the genera Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon. Males are known to exhibit hilltopping behavior, perching at elevated sites to await females.
Pseudomasaris occidentalis
Western pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris occidentalis is a solitary wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, commonly known as the western pollen wasp. Unlike most wasps that provision their nests with prey, masarine wasps are unique among vespids in feeding their larvae exclusively on pollen and nectar. The species is native to western North America and is one of approximately 14 species in the genus Pseudomasaris, all of which are restricted to North America.
Pseudomasaris phaceliae
Scorpionweed pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris phaceliae is a solitary pollen wasp in the subfamily Masarinae, known as the scorpionweed pollen wasp. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits oligolectic behavior, collecting pollen and nectar from a narrow range of flowering plants to provision its mud nest cells. The species is native to western North America and is one of approximately 14 species in the genus Pseudomasaris, the only masarine genus occurring in North America. Males are distinguished by their elongated, clubbed antennae and engage in hilltopping behavior to locate females.
Pseudomasaris texanus
Pseudomasaris texanus is a pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Like other members of its genus, females construct mud nests provisioned with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Cresson in 1871 and is one of several Pseudomasaris species documented in western North America.
Pseudomasaris vespoides
pollen wasp
Pseudomasaris vespoides is a solitary pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Unlike social vespids that provision nests with prey, females construct mud nests and provision cells exclusively with pollen and nectar, resembling bee-like behavior. The species is strongly associated with Penstemon flowers, from which females collect pollen. Males are distinguished by their conspicuously long, clubbed antennae and exhibit hilltopping behavior on elevated terrain to locate females.
Pseudomasaris zonalis
Pseudomasaris zonalis is a species of pollen wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Masarinae. Like other members of the genus Pseudomasaris, it is a solitary wasp that provisions its nests with pollen and nectar rather than paralyzed prey. The species was described by Cresson in 1864. Pollen wasps in this genus are known for their specialized oligolectic relationships with certain flowering plants, particularly in the genera Penstemon, Phacelia, and Eriodictyon.
Pseudomethoca bequaerti
Pseudomethoca bequaerti is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae. Velvet ants are actually solitary wasps, with females being wingless and often brightly colored with aposematic coloration. The genus Pseudomethoca is part of a diverse group of mutillids found in North America.
Pseudomethoca brazoria
A species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, characterized by the wingless females typical of this family. The species name refers to Brazoria County, Texas, suggesting a geographic association with the Gulf Coastal Plain region. As with other mutillids, females are solitary and possess a potent sting, while males are winged and less frequently encountered.
Pseudomethoca frigida
Pseudomethoca frigida is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, a group of solitary wasps known for their aposematic coloration and powerful stings. The genus Pseudomethoca contains species that are often considered models for mimicry complexes, particularly for checkered beetles (Cleridae) such as Enoclerus ichneumoneus. Like other mutillids, females are wingless and males are winged, with the sexes exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism. The species was described by Smith in 1855 and is part of the diverse North American velvet ant fauna.
Pseudomethoca sanbornii
Pseudomethoca sanbornii is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, a group of solitary wasps known for their aposematic coloration and powerful sting. Females are wingless and ant-like in appearance, while males possess wings. The species occurs across much of the eastern and central United States. Like other mutillids, females are reportedly capable of delivering a painful sting, though they are not aggressive and sting only in defense.
Pseudomethoca simillima
Pseudomethoca simillima is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, a group of solitary wasps in which females are wingless and often brightly colored with aposematic coloration. The species has been proposed as a potential model for Müllerian or Batesian mimicry by the checkered beetle Enoclerus ichneumoneus (family Cleridae), which shares a similar orange-and-black banded color pattern. Females are reportedly fast-moving and difficult to photograph, exhibiting urgent, zigzagging locomotion on sandy substrates. The species appears to be relatively uncommon in at least parts of its range compared to its suggested mimic.
Pseudomethoca toumeyi
Pseudomethoca toumeyi is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, order Hymenoptera. The genus Pseudomethoca is part of a diverse group of solitary wasps in which females are wingless and often exhibit aposematic coloration. Like other mutillids, this species likely possesses a powerful sting used for defense. The species is documented from a limited number of observations, with 18 records currently available.
Psorthaspis
spider wasps
Psorthaspis is a genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, containing more than 30 described species. Members of this genus are solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision their nests. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1911.
Psorthaspis brimleyi
spider wasp
Psorthaspis brimleyi is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is one of several species in the genus Psorthaspis, which are specialized predators of spiders. The species was originally described as Pedinaspis brimleyi by Malloch in 1928. Spider wasps in this family are solitary hunters that paralyze spiders to provision nests for their larvae.
Psorthaspis formosa
Psorthaspis formosa is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Smith in 1862. The genus Psorthaspis comprises spider-hunting wasps that provision their nests with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. Like other pompilids, this species is solitary and exhibits specialized predatory behavior toward spiders. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, with observations from Arizona.
Psorthaspis luctuosa
Psorthaspis luctuosa is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1910. The genus Psorthaspis belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for hunting spiders as prey for their larvae. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available. A related species, Psorthaspis portiae, has been documented in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona, suggesting similar montane habitats may be occupied by P. luctuosa.
Psorthaspis sanguinea
Psorthaspis sanguinea is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Smith in 1855. As a member of this family, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for hunting spiders to provision their nests. The specific epithet 'sanguinea' (Latin for 'bloody' or 'blood-red') likely refers to coloration characteristics of this species. Very limited specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Pterocheilus
Pterocheilus is a genus of fossorial mason wasps in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Unlike most potter wasps that nest in pre-existing cavities or construct free-standing mud nests, species in this genus excavate burrows in soil or sand. The genus exhibits its greatest diversity in southwestern North America, with approximately 40 species recognized in the region. Females possess specialized morphological adaptations for digging, including tarsal rakes on the forelegs and a psammophore—long setae on the labial palps used to transport excavated soil away from the nest entrance.
Pterocheilus denticulatus
Pterocheilus denticulatus is a solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, characterized by fossorial nesting behavior in sandy or soft soils. Females excavate burrows using specialized morphological adaptations including a tarsal rake on the front feet and a psammophore—a "beard" of long setae on the palps used to transport excavated soil away from the nest entrance. The species was described by de Saussure in 1855 and belongs to a genus of approximately 40 North American species, most diverse in the southwestern United States.
Pterocheilus diversicolor
Pterocheilus diversicolor is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Rohwer in 1911. Like other members of the genus Pterocheilus, females are fossorial, excavating burrows in soil or sand using specialized tarsal spines and a psammophore (beard-like setae on the mouthparts) to carry excavated material away from the nest entrance. The species belongs to a genus of approximately 40 North American species with greatest diversity in the southwestern United States. Specific biological details for P. diversicolor remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as P. quinquefasciatus.
Pterocheilus hirsutipennis
A solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, Pterocheilus hirsutipennis is one of approximately 40 North American species in this genus. Like other Pterocheilus, females are fossorial, excavating subterranean burrows in sandy or soft soils rather than using pre-existing cavities or building mud nests. The species was described by Bohart in 1940 and is part of a genus whose members are most diverse in the southwestern United States. Most species biology remains poorly documented.
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mirandus
Pterocheilus mirandus is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae, described by Cresson in 1897. Like other members of the genus Pterocheilus, this species is fossorial, excavating burrows in soil rather than using pre-existing cavities or constructing mud nests. The genus is most diverse in the southwestern United States, with approximately forty North American species. Most Pterocheilus species are poorly known biologically due to their secretive nesting habits and effective concealment of burrow entrances.
Pterocheilus pedicellatus
Pterocheilus pedicellatus is a species of solitary mason wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae, described by Bohart in 1940. Like other members of the genus Pterocheilus, this species is fossorial, excavating burrows in soil rather than constructing above-ground mud nests or using pre-existing cavities. The genus is most diverse in the southwestern United States, with approximately forty North American species. Most Pterocheilus species are poorly known biologically, though related species provision their burrows with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae.
Pterocheilus pimorum
Pterocheilus pimorum is a solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Like other members of its genus, it is fossorial, excavating burrows in soil rather than using pre-existing cavities or building free-standing mud nests. The species was described by Viereck in 1908. Very little is known about its specific biology, though it likely shares the general characteristics of the genus: females dig burrows using modified forelegs with stout spines (tarsal rakes) and a psammophore (beard of setae on the mouthparts) for transporting excavated soil.
Pterocheilus quinquefasciatus
Pterocheilus quinquefasciatus is a fossorial solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. Females excavate burrows in sandy or soft soil rather than using pre-existing cavities or building mud nests. The species is relatively large for the genus, with females measuring 13–16 mm in body length. It has been documented using caterpillars of Heliothis phloxiphaga (Darker Spotted Straw Moth) as prey in Badlands National Park, South Dakota, with females paralyzing victims and carrying them in flight to the burrow.
Pterocheilus sinopis
Pterocheilus sinopis is a species of solitary mason wasp in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. It is one of approximately 40 species in the genus Pterocheilus, a group characterized by fossorial (burrow-digging) nesting behavior. The species was described by Richard M. Bohart in 1999. Like other members of its genus, females are equipped with specialized anatomical adaptations for excavating soil burrows, including a psammophore (a "beard" of setae on the palps) for transporting soil away from nest sites.
Pterombrus
Pterombrus is a genus of small, slender wasps in the family Thynnidae (formerly placed in Tiphiidae). The genus contains at least one described species, Pterombrus rufiventris, which is a rare parasitoid of tiger beetle larvae. These wasps are poorly known and seldom photographed, with most biological knowledge derived from a single detailed study of the western subspecies P. rufiventris hyalinatus. Adults are active during summer months and are associated with grassland habitats where their hosts occur.
Pulverro
Pulverro is a genus of aphid wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. The genus was established by Pate in 1937 and contains approximately 13 described species. These wasps are specialized predators of aphids, a characteristic trait of the Ammoplanina group within the Pemphredoninae.
Pulverro costano
Pulverro costano is a species of aphid wasp in the family Crabronidae (subfamily Pemphredoninae). The species was described by Pate in 1937. It is known from North America. Members of the genus Pulverro are part of the ammoplanine complex, a group of small solitary wasps that prey on aphids.
Pygodasis quadrimaculata
Large Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp
Pygodasis quadrimaculata, commonly known as the Large Four-spotted Scoliid Wasp, is a species of scoliid wasp in the family Scoliidae. Scoliid wasps are solitary, ground-nesting wasps that parasitize scarab beetle larvae. This species is notable for its large size among scoliids and its distinctive four-spotted wing pattern. The species has been documented in 1,712 observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is relatively well-observed and likely not rare in its range.
Rhopalum
Rhopalum is a large genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, with over 280 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are part of the diverse crabronid lineage, which are predominantly predatory. The genus includes both native and introduced species, with R. clavipes being notably widespread in North America as an introduced species.
Rhopalum atlanticum
Rhopalum atlanticum is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by R. Bohart in 1974. The genus Rhopalum comprises small, predatory wasps known as sand wasps that provision nests with paralyzed prey. This species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it likely excavates burrows in sandy soils and hunts small insects to provision larval cells.
Rhopalum sp.
A member of the digger wasp genus *Rhopalum*, provisionally assigned as a likely introduced species pending formal identification. *Rhopalum* species are solitary, predatory wasps that provision nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae. This record represents a specimen or population detected outside its presumed native range, suggesting human-mediated dispersal. The genus occurs across multiple continents, with some species widely distributed due to commerce and travel.
Rysepyris subtilis
Rysepyris subtilis is a species of sand wasp in the family Bembicidae. The genus Rysepyris belongs to the tribe Bembicini, a group of solitary wasps known for their ground-nesting behavior and predatory habits. Species in this genus are poorly documented in the primary literature, with most information derived from museum specimens and taxonomic catalogs. The specific epithet 'subtilis' suggests subtle or delicate characteristics, though the precise morphological basis for this naming is not clearly documented in available sources.
Sapyga angustata
Sapyga angustata is a species of sapygid wasp, a member of the family Sapygidae within the order Hymenoptera. Sapygid wasps are cleptoparasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nests of other solitary bees and wasps, where their larvae consume the host's provisions. This species is part of a genus distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with records primarily from Europe and western Asia. Observations of S. angustata remain relatively sparse, reflecting both its small size and its secretive nesting biology.
Sapyga centrata
Sapyga centrata is a small, solitary wasp in the family Sapygidae, a group of cleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other solitary bees. The species is characterized by a compact black body with yellow or white markings and a distinctive clubbed antenna. It is native to North America and has been documented across a broad geographic range. As a cleptoparasite, it does not construct its own nest or provision food for its offspring, instead laying eggs in the nests of host bees.
Sapyga confluenta
Sapyga confluenta is a species of sapygid wasp in the family Sapygidae, a group of solitary wasps that are cleptoparasites of other solitary bees. The species belongs to the genus Sapyga, which is the type genus of the family. Sapygid wasps are generally small to medium-sized with distinctive body shapes and are known for their parasitic lifestyle targeting mason bees and other solitary bee groups.
Sapyga martinii
Sapyga martinii is a species of solitary wasp in the family Sapygidae. The genus Sapyga comprises cleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other solitary bees, particularly mason bees (Osmia) and leafcutter bees (Megachile). Adults are typically observed visiting flowers for nectar. The species is documented in the western United States, with records from California.
Sapygidae
Club-horned Wasps
Sapygidae is a small family of solitary kleptoparasitic aculeate wasps containing approximately 80 described species. They are generally black wasps with white or yellow markings, superficially resembling some Tiphiidae or Thynnidae. Females oviposit into the nests of solitary bees, where their larvae consume both the host larvae and the food stores provisioned for them. The family has limited economic importance, though some host species are important pollinators. Fossil sapygids are known from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber and Upper Eocene Baltic amber.
Sceliphron
black-and-yellow mud dauber wasps, black mud-dauber wasps, mud daubers
Sceliphron is a genus of solitary sphecid wasps comprising 34 valid species, commonly known as black-and-yellow mud daubers or black mud-dauber wasps. Females construct nests from mud, building individual cells that they provision with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. The genus exhibits remarkable synanthropic behavior, with many species readily nesting on human structures. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, including S. caementarium (native to North America, now widespread globally) and S. curvatum (native to Central Asia, spreading through Europe and recently detected in North America).
Sceliphron caementarium
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp, Black and Yellow Mud Dauber, Black-waisted Mud-dauber
Sceliphron caementarium is a solitary sphecid wasp renowned for constructing nests from mud. Females build multi-celled mud nests in sheltered locations, provision each cell with paralyzed spiders, and deposit a single egg before sealing the chamber. The species exhibits remarkable geographic plasticity, having established populations across multiple continents through human-mediated dispersal. Adults feed on nectar and are generally non-aggressive, with stings being rare.
Sceliphron curvatum
Asian mud-dauber wasp
Sceliphron curvatum is a solitary mud-daubing wasp native to Central Asia that has become invasive in Europe and North America. First recorded in Europe in 1979, it has since expanded across multiple European countries and was first documented in North America in 2013. The species is smaller and darker than the native North American Sceliphron caementarium, with a body length of 15–25 mm and black coloration with yellow and red ornaments. It exhibits strongly synanthropic behavior, frequently nesting indoors on clothing, books, and furniture rather than exclusively on building exteriors.
Scolia
digger wasps, blue-winged digger wasps
Scolia is a genus of digger wasps in the family Scoliidae. Adult females hunt scarab beetle grubs in soil, paralyze them with a sting, and deposit eggs on the living host. The wasp larvae consume the grub from the outside, eventually pupating in the burrow and overwintering before emerging the following summer. Several species are common in North American lawns and gardens, where they serve as important biological control agents of turf pests.
Scolia dubia
Blue-winged Scoliid Wasp, Two-spotted Scoliid Wasp, Blue-winged Digger Wasp
Scolia dubia is a medium-sized scoliid wasp, 20–25 mm in length, with striking iridescent blue-black wings and a black-and-red body marked by two yellow spots on the abdomen. The species ranges across eastern and central North America, from New England to Florida and west to California. It is a specialist parasitoid of scarab beetle grubs, particularly the green June beetle (Cotinis nitida), and has been observed attacking Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) larvae. Adults are nectar feeders, frequently visiting flowers of the mint and aster families.
Scolia nobilitata
Noble Scoliid Wasp
Scolia nobilitata is a species of scoliid wasp native to North America. Adults are active in late summer and autumn, when they visit flowers for nectar. Females are parasitoids of scarab beetle grubs, locating hosts underground, paralyzing them with a sting, and laying eggs on the immobilized larvae. The species is considered beneficial for biological control of turf-damaging white grubs.
Scoliidae
Scoliid Wasps, Mammoth Wasps
Scoliidae is a family of solitary aculeate wasps comprising approximately 300-560 described species worldwide. They are robust, often large-bodied wasps with distinctive corrugated wing tips. Females are parasitoids of scarab beetle larvae, using their stings to paralyze hosts before depositing eggs. The family exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males have longer antennae and more slender bodies, while females possess shorter antennae and true stingers. Scoliids are considered beneficial insects due to their role in controlling scarab pest populations.
Sericopompilini
Sericopompilini is a tribe of spider wasps within the family Pompilidae. Members are characterized by their silvery or sericeous pubescence, from which the tribe derives its name. The tribe is relatively small and poorly studied compared to other pompilid groups. Species in this tribe are solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision their nests.
Sericopompilus angustatus
Sericopompilus angustatus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1865. Members of the genus Sericopompilus are characterized by their slender body form and silvery pubescence. As with other pompilid wasps, this species is presumed to be a solitary hunter that provisions nests with paralyzed spiders for its larvae. The specific epithet "angustatus" refers to the narrow or slender body shape typical of this species.