Solitary-wasp
Guides
Eucerceris rubripes
Eucerceris rubripes is a species of weevil wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Cercerini. The genus Eucerceris was subject to extensive taxonomic revision by George R. Ferguson, who specialized in Cerceris and related genera. Like other cercerine wasps, females provision nests with weevils (Curculionidae) as food for their larvae. The species has been recorded visiting flowering saltcedar (Tamarix) for nectar in Colorado.
Eucerceris superba
Eucerceris superba is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Philanthidae). It is native to North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The genus Eucerceris was revised by entomologist George R. Ferguson, who specialized in the taxonomy of these wasps.
Eucerceris tricolor
Eucerceris tricolor is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. It belongs to the tribe Cercerini, a group commonly known as beewolves or weevil wasps due to their specialized hunting behavior. The species is distributed across North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a predator of weevils and other beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Eucerceris zonata
Eucerceris zonata is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Cercerini. It belongs to the weevil wasp group, which are specialized predators of weevils (Curculionidae). The genus Eucerceris was subject to extensive taxonomic revision by George R. Ferguson, who completed work begun by Herm Scullen. This species is native to North America, with records from Canada including Manitoba.
Eumenes americanus
American Potter Wasp
Eumenes americanus is a solitary potter wasp in the family Vespidae, known for constructing distinctive urn-shaped mud nests. Females build complete mud containers about the size of a marble, often with a fluted neck, before provisioning them with paralyzed caterpillars as food for a single larva. The species is non-aggressive and poses minimal sting risk to humans.
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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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 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.
Eusapyga
Eusapyga is a genus of wasps in the family Sapygidae, a group of cleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other solitary bees and wasps. The genus was established by Ezra Cresson in 1880. Members of this genus are found in North America. Like other sapygids, they are likely kleptoparasites, though species-level biology remains poorly documented.
Eusapyga verticalis
Eusapyga verticalis is a species of sapygid wasp in the family Sapygidae. Sapygid wasps are cleptoparasitic, meaning females lay eggs in the nests of other solitary bees and wasps, where their larvae consume the host's provisions. The species is part of a small family of wasps that are relatively poorly studied compared to their better-known relatives in the families Mutillidae and Scoliidae.
Foxia navajo
Foxia navajo is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly Bembicidae), described by Pate in 1938. The genus Foxia belongs to the tribe Nyssonini within the subfamily Bembicinae. Like other members of its tribe, this species is presumed to be a kleptoparasite or predator of other ground-nesting wasps, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from North America, with the specific epithet 'navajo' suggesting a connection to the Navajo Nation or southwestern United States region.
Gastrosericina
Gastrosericina is a subtribe of solitary wasps within the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. First described by André in 1886, this group comprises digger wasps that primarily prey on Orthoptera (grasshoppers and crickets). The subtribe includes several genera distributed across multiple continents.
Gorytes
sand wasps
Gorytes is a genus of sand wasps in the family Crabronidae, comprising at least 70 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. These solitary wasps are ground-nesting predators that provision their burrows with paralyzed prey, primarily leafhoppers (Cicadellidae), for their developing larvae. The genus is taxonomically placed within the subtribe Gorytina of the tribe Bembicini.
Gorytes atricornis
Gorytes atricornis is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Packard in 1867. It belongs to the subfamily Bembicinae, a group of solitary wasps commonly known as sand wasps. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada including Alberta.
Gorytes dorothyae
Gorytes dorothyae is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Bembicidae). It is found in North America, with records from Canada including Manitoba. The species was described by Krombein in 1950 and includes two recognized subspecies: G. d. dorothyae and G. d. russeolus. Like other members of the genus Gorytes, it is a solitary wasp.
Gorytes smithii
Gorytes smithii is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It belongs to the tribe Bembicini, which includes solitary wasps that typically nest in sandy soils and provision their burrows with paralyzed prey. The species was described by Cresson in 1880 and occurs in North America. Like other members of the genus Gorytes, it is likely associated with open sandy habitats where it excavates burrows for nesting.
Gorytes venustus
Gorytes venustus is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by Cresson in 1865. It belongs to the tribe Bembicini, a group of solitary wasps known for nesting in sandy soils and provisioning their young with paralyzed prey. The species is documented from North America. As a member of the genus Gorytes, it shares the general biology of related sand wasps, though species-specific details remain limited in available sources.
Gorytes willcoxi
Gorytes willcoxi is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly placed in Bembicidae), described by Ohl in 2009. The species is known from North America. Like other members of the genus Gorytes, it is a solitary wasp that excavates burrows in sandy soils.
Hapalomellinus albitomentosus
Hapalomellinus albitomentosus is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, originally described by Bradley in 1920 as Gorytes albitomentosus. It belongs to the subfamily Bembicinae, a group of solitary wasps known for nesting in soil and provisioning their young with paralyzed prey. The species is part of the genus Hapalomellinus, which contains only three described species. Records indicate presence in North America.
Harpactus pictifrons
Harpactus pictifrons is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by W. Fox in 1894. It belongs to the subfamily Bembicinae, a group of solitary wasps known for nesting in sandy soils and provisioning their larvae with paralyzed prey. The species is part of the genus Harpactus, which comprises small to medium-sized wasps with distinctive facial markings. Records indicate presence in North America, specifically in Canada including Alberta. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a predator of true bugs (Hemiptera), though direct observations of its biology are limited.
Hemipepsis toussainti
Hemipepsis toussainti is a species of tarantula hawk wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1928. It belongs to the genus Hemipepsis, which includes large, predatory spider wasps that paralyze tarantulas to provision their nests. The species is part of a diverse group of tarantula hawks found in western North America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Hoplisoides hamatus
Hoplisoides hamatus is a sand wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada including British Columbia. Like other members of the genus Hoplisoides, it is a solitary wasp that hunts treehoppers in the family Membracidae as prey for its larvae.
Hoplisoides nebulosus
sand wasp
Hoplisoides nebulosus is a solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, known for hunting treehoppers (Membracidae) to provision underground nests. The species is found primarily in the eastern United States, with a subspecies H. n. spilopterus occurring in western regions including Colorado. Females construct burrows in sandy soil with distinctive spotted wings that aid in identification. The species exhibits specialized nesting behavior including head-first entry into burrows and rapid nest closure that leaves them vulnerable to parasitism.
Hoplisoides nebulosus spilopterus
Hoplisoides nebulosus spilopterus is a subspecies of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae. Females construct short burrows in sandy soil to provision with paralyzed treehoppers (Membracidae) as food for their larvae. The subspecies is distinguished by spotted wings and is found in western North America, including Colorado and Alberta. Adults are approximately 8-10 mm in length and are rarely observed on flowers, though they may visit aphid colonies to feed on honeydew.
Hoplisoides punctifrons
sand wasp
Hoplisoides punctifrons is a species of solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae. It occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of its genus, it is a ground-nesting wasp that provisions its brood with paralyzed prey.
Hoplisoides semipunctatus
sand wasp
Hoplisoides semipunctatus is a species of sand wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is native to South America, with records from Brazil (Bahia and Santa Catarina). The genus Hoplisoides comprises approximately 18 species in North America and is distributed globally except Australia. Members of this genus are solitary wasps that typically hunt treehoppers (Membracidae) as prey for their larvae.
Hoplisoides splendidulus
Hoplisoides splendidulus is a solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, originally described by Bradley in 1920. Like other members of the genus Hoplisoides, it is a predator of treehoppers (Membracidae), provisioning underground burrows with paralyzed prey for its larval offspring. The species is part of a diverse genus containing approximately 18 species in North America, with most species distributed in western regions.
Hoplisoides tricolor
sand wasp
Hoplisoides tricolor is a species of solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, originally described by Cresson in 1868. It is one of approximately eighteen Hoplisoides species found in North America north of Mexico. Like congeners, it is a ground-nesting wasp that hunts treehoppers (Membracidae) as prey for its larvae. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with most Hoplisoides species concentrated in western North America.
Isodontia
Grass-carrying Wasps, Grass-carrier Wasps
Isodontia is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Sphecidae, commonly known as grass-carrying wasps. Females construct nests in pre-existing cavities such as hollow stems, window tracks, or abandoned beetle tunnels, lining them with dry grass or hay. They provision nests with paralyzed Orthoptera (tree crickets and katydids) as food for their larvae. Several species are invasive in Europe, with Isodontia mexicana being the most widespread non-native species.
Isodontia apicalis
grass-carrier wasp
Isodontia apicalis is a solitary thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, known as a 'grass-carrier' for its distinctive nesting behavior. The species occurs in North and Central America. Like other members of its genus, females construct nests using dry grass to partition cells and plug entrances.