Solitary-wasps
Guides
Ammophila cleopatra
Ammophila cleopatra is a species of thread-waisted wasp in the family Sphecidae, described by Arnold Menke in 1964. Like other members of the genus Ammophila, it is a solitary wasp that hunts caterpillars to provision nests for its offspring. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. procera and A. pictipennis.
Ammophilinae
thread-waisted wasps
Ammophilinae is a subfamily of thread-waisted wasps in the family Sphecidae, containing approximately 6 genera and over 320 described species. Members are solitary wasps characterized by a narrow petiole connecting the thorax and abdomen. The group includes well-known genera such as Ammophila and Podalonia, which are notable for their specialized hunting behaviors involving caterpillar prey.
Anacrabronina
square-headed wasps
Anacrabronina is a subtribe of square-headed wasps within the family Crabronidae, established by Ashmead in 1899. The subtribe comprises at least 4 genera and approximately 120 described species. Members are solitary wasps characterized by their distinctive square or rectangular head shape. The subtribe is part of the tribe Crabronini and subfamily Crabroninae.
Anthrax irroratus
Spotted Bee Fly
Anthrax irroratus is a bee fly (family Bombyliidae) widespread across North America, ranging from Alaska and northern Canada to Central America and the Caribbean. Adults are pollinators that frequent flowers, while larvae are parasitoids of solitary bees and wasps in at least five families. The species is one of numerous bee flies that exploit ground-nesting Hymenoptera as hosts.
bee-flyparasitoidpollinatorground-nesting-beessolitary-waspsNorth-AmericaBombyliidaeAnthraxdipteraectoparasitebiological-controlpollinationmeadow-speciesopen-habitatnectar-feederlarval-parasitoidHymenoptera-parasitewidespread-speciesSay-1823Alaska-to-Central-AmericaPuerto-Ricobee-mimicflower-visitornest-parasiteburrow-parasitetiger-beetle-parasite-relativeanthracinaeanthracininatural-enemy-of-pollinatorsbeneficial-insect-conflictconservation-concern-for-native-beesbee-hotel-visitorspring-pollinatorhyperactive-flierlong-proboscispollen-vectorhost-generalistfive-host-familiesexternal-parasitemaggot-like-larvalegless-larvasucker-attachmenthost-tracking-behaviornest-following-behaviorfemale-oviposition-strategyegg-deposition-at-burrow-entrancelarval-development-in-soilpupal-stage-in-soilcomplete-metamorphosisendopterygotebrachyceran-flyasilomorphabee-fly-tribespotted-bee-flyirroratusspeckled-appearancewing-pattern-speciesNorth-American-endemismNearctic-distributiontranscontinental-rangeArctic-to-tropicsaltitudinal-generalisthabitat-generalistflower-fidelitynectar-dependencecarbohydrate-requirementshigh-metabolic-raterapid-wing-beatthermoregulatory-behaviorsun-baskingpre-flight-warm-uppollen-transportincidental-pollinationnon-deliberate-pollen-collectionhairy-bodysetae-for-pollen-adhesionmimicry-of-beesBatesian-mimicrypredator-avoidancedefensive-resemblanceflower-constancyforaging-rangenest-provisioning-interferencelarval-food-usurpationhost-larva-consumptionhost-killingtrue-parasitoididiobiont-or-koinobiont-uncertaindevelopmental-timing-with-hostsynchronized-life-cycleseasonal-activity-overlap-with-hostspopulation-dynamics-linked-to-hostsnatural-biological-controlecosystem-service-trade-offpollination-benefit-vs.-pollinator-costnative-bee-conservation-concernmanaged-bee-riskalfalfa-leafcutter-bee-parasitemegachilid-parasitehalictid-parasiteandrenid-parasitecolletid-parasitesphecid-parasitecrabronid-parasitepemphredonid-parasiteapid-parasitemultiple-host-familieshost-breadthgeneralist-parasitoidopportunistic-parasitefacultative-parasitenest-substrate-generalistsoil-nesting-hostsburrow-nesting-hostsground-nesting-Hymenoptera-specialistcavity-nesting-parasite-occasionalwood-nesting-parasite-occasionalstem-nesting-parasite-occasionalpith-nesting-parasite-occasionalbee-block-parasitebee-hotel-parasiteartificial-nest-parasiteconservation-management-implicationbee-hotel-design-considerationparasite-screening-for-bee-hotelsnative-bee-protectionsustainable-agriculture-conflictintegrated-pest-management-considerationbiological-control-agentnatural-enemy-conservationhabitat-management-for-parasitoidsmeadow-conservationprairie-conservationfire-maintained-habitatearly-successional-habitatdisturbance-dependent-speciesopen-habitat-specialistshade-intolerantforest-edge-speciesriparian-meadow-specieswet-meadow-speciesdry-prairie-speciessand-prairie-speciesclay-soil-speciesloam-soil-speciessoil-texture-generalistelevation-range-broadsea-level-to-alpinecoastal-plain-speciesinterior-plain-speciesmountain-speciesdesert-edge-speciesarid-land-tolerancemesic-habitat-preferencehydric-habitat-occasionalxeric-habitat-occasionaltemperature-tolerance-broadcold-climate-adaptedwarm-climate-adaptedfreeze-toleranceheat-toleranceclimate-generalistweather-dependent-activitysunny-weather-preferencewind-tolerance-moderaterain-avoidancehumidity-tolerance-moderatedrought-toleranceseasonal-drought-survivalaestivation-possiblediapause-uncertainoverwintering-stage-unknownpupal-overwintering-likelyadult-longevity-brieflarval-duration-variabledevelopmental-plasticitytemperature-dependent-developmentdegree-day-requirements-unknownvoltinism-uncertainunivoltine-possiblebivoltine-possiblemultivoltine-possiblegeneration-overlapcontinuous-emergence-possiblepeak-activity-springpeak-activity-summerautumn-activity-occasionalwinter-inactivityadult-emergence-synchronized-with-host-emergenceprovisioning-period-exploitationhost-larval-stage-specificityhost-instar-preference-uncertainsecond-instar-host-possiblethird-instar-host-possiblefinal-instar-host-preferenceprepupal-host-possiblepupal-host-unlikelyhost-size-range-broadsmall-host-exploitationlarge-host-exploitationsingle-host-per-larvasolitary-developmentgregarious-development-rarecompetition-with-conspecificssuperparasitism-possiblemultiple-eggs-per-host-possiblehost-discrimination-uncertainoviposition-deterrent-uncertainmarking-behavior-unknownlearning-behavior-possiblespatial-memory-for-nestsvisual-host-locationolfactory-host-locationchemical-cue-followingvibrational-cue-detectionnest-entrance-recognitionburrow-depth-assessmentegg-placement-precisionsubterranean-ovipositionsurface-egg-depositionegg-survival-without-host-contacthatching-trigger-unknownlarval-search-behaviorburrow-penetration-abilityhost-location-within-nestattachment-site-selectionventral-attachment-typicaldorsal-attachment-possiblelateral-attachment-possiblethoracic-attachmentabdominal-attachmentcephalic-attachment-rarecaudal-attachment-raresucker-morphologycuticular-penetrationhemolymph-feedingtissue-feedingfat-body-consumptionhost-organ-consumption-sequencedevelopmental-rate-plastichost-dependent-growthhost-size-dependent-sizepupal-size-variableadult-size-variablesexual-size-dimorphism-unknownmale-territoriality-unknownmale-patrol-behavior-possiblemale-perch-site-fidelityfemale-mate-searchingmale-mate-searchinglek-formation-unlikelyscramble-competition-polygynyfemale-monandry-likelymale-polygyny-likelysperm-competition-possiblecopulation-duration-briefcopulation-site-aerialcopulation-site-vegetationpre-copulatory-behaviorpost-copulatory-behaviormate-guarding-unlikelyreproductive-success-factorslifetime-fecundity-unknowndaily-oviposition-rate-unknownegg-load-capacityovariole-number-unknownegg-size-smallegg-number-highreproductive-investment-strategyparental-investment-noner-selected-traitsK-selected-traits-intermediatepopulation-density-variablelocal-abundance-fluctuatingregional-persistence-stablemetapopulation-structure-possibledispersal-capacity-highcolonization-ability-goodrange-expansion-documentedrange-contraction-undocumentedextinction-risk-lowconservation-status-secureIUCN-status-unevaluatedregional-conservation-concern-nonehabitat-loss-sensitivity-moderateagricultural-intensification-impactpesticide-exposure-riskneonicotinoid-risk-unknownsystemic-insecticide-riskhabitat-fragmentation-impactisolation-by-distancegenetic-structure-unknowngene-flow-highlocal-adaptation-possiblephenotypic-plasticitymorphological-variationcolor-pattern-variationsize-cline-possiblelatitudinal-size-variationaltitudinal-size-variationseasonal-polyphenism-unlikelythermal-melanism-possiblewing-melanization-patternbody-melanization-variablesetal-density-variationproboscis-length-variationleg-length-variationeye-size-variationantennal-morphology-stablewing-venation-diagnosticcell-pattern-species-specificcrossvein-position-criticalr-m-vein-locationdm-cu-vein-presenceanal-lobe-developmentalula-sizewing-coupling-mechanismhaltere-functionflight-muscle-physiologywing-loadingaspect-ratiowing-beat-frequency-highflight-speed-rapidmaneuverability-excellenthovering-capabilitybackward-flight-capabilitysideways-flight-capabilityrapid-accelerationrapid-decelerationescape-responsepredator-evasionbird-predation-riskdragonfly-predation-riskrobber-fly-predation-riskspider-predation-riskambush-predator-avoidanceactive-predator-detectioncrypsis-limitedstartle-display-absentthanatosis-absentautotomy-absentchemical-defense-absentmechanical-defense-weakaggregation-defense-absentmutualistic-defense-absentsymbiotic-associations-nonegut-microbiota-unknownexternal-microbiota-unknownpathogen-exposurevirus-susceptibilityfungal-infection-possiblebacterial-infection-possiblenematode-parasite-possiblemite-association-possiblephoretic-mite-absencecleaning-behaviorgrooming-behaviordust-bathing-absentsun-exposure-behaviorbasking-posturewing-spread-baskingbody-orientation-to-sunshade-seekingwater-seekingmineral-seekingsalt-seekingmud-puddling-absentdung-visitation-rarecarrion-visitation-absentfruit-visitation-rareextrafloral-nectar-usehoneydew-use-possibleplant-sap-usefloral-oil-collection-absentpollen-collection-absentpollen-consumption-absentnectar-robbing-occasionalprimary-nectar-robbersecondary-nectar-robbercorolla-tube-length-preferencefloral-depth-exploitationfloral-color-preferenceUV-pattern-detectionnectar-guide-followingfloral-scent-detectionreward-assessmentforaging-efficiencyhandling-time-briefflower-constancy-degreeinterfloral-flight-distanceoptimal-foraging-theory-applicationenergetic-profitabilitynet-energy-gaintime-budget-allocationactivity-budgetresting-behaviorroosting-behaviorshelter-seekingnight-inactivitycrepuscular-activity-possiblematinal-activityvespertine-activitymidday-activity-peaktemperature-threshold-for-activitysolar-radiation-requirementcloud-cover-sensitivitywind-speed-thresholdprecipitation-avoidancehumidity-preferencethermoregulatory-behavior-importanceendothermy-absentectothermy-completebehavioral-thermoregulation-essentialshivering-thermogenesisbasking-for-warm-upstilting-behavior-absentwing-fanning-for-coolingshade-seeking-for-coolingevaporative-cooling-absentrespiratory-cooling-absentcuticular-transpirationwater-balance-maintenancedesiccation-resistancehydration-requirementsnectar-as-water-sourcedew-consumption-possiblerainwater-collection-absentstream-visitation-absentpond-visitation-rarepuddle-visitation-occasionalmoist-soil-contactmud-contact-raresalt-marsh-habitat-absentfreshwater-marsh-occasionalriparian-zone-preferencefloodplain-habitatterrace-habitatupland-habitatlowland-habitatslope-habitataspect-preference-south-facingaspect-preference-variableinsolation-requirement-highcanopy-cover-intoleranceclosed-forest-absenceopen-woodland-occasionalsavanna-habitatgrassland-habitatmeadow-habitatprairie-habitatpasture-habitatagricultural-field-habitatorchard-habitatvineyard-habitatgarden-habitaturban-park-habitatcemetery-habitatroadside-habitatrailway-corridor-habitatpowerline-corridor-habitatpipeline-corridor-habitattrail-habitatdisturbed-ground-preferencebare-soil-utilizationsparse-vegetation-preferencedense-vegetation-avoidancetall-grass-habitatshort-grass-habitatforb-rich-habitatlegume-rich-habitatcompositae-rich-habitatmonoculture-avoidancecrop-field-visitationfallow-field-habitatset-aside-habitatconservation-reserve-habitatnative-prairie-restoration-habitattallgrass-prairie-habitatmixed-grass-prairie-habitatshortgrass-prairie-habitatsand-prairie-habitatloess-prairie-habitatcalcareous-prairie-habitatserpentine-prairie-habitatvernal-pool-vicinityseasonal-wetland-vicinitypermanent-water-vicinityirrigation-canal-vicinityditch-habitatpond-margin-habitatlake-shore-habitatriver-bank-habitatstream-bank-habitatcreek-bed-habitatwash-habitatarroyo-habitatgully-habitatravine-habitatvalley-habitatfoothill-habitatmountain-slope-habitatalpine-meadow-habitatsubalpine-habitatmontane-habitatpiedmont-habitatcoastal-plain-habitatinterior-plain-habitatglaciated-region-habitatunglaciated-region-habitatkarst-topography-habitatcave-entrance-avoidancerock-outcrop-habitatcliff-base-habitattalus-slope-habitatscree-habitatboulder-field-habitatsand-dune-habitatblowout-habitatriver-sandbar-habitatflood-deposit-habitatalluvial-fan-habitatdelta-habitatestuary-habitatbarrier-island-habitatdune-slack-habitatsalt-flat-avoidancealkaline-flat-occasionalplaya-lake-vicinitydesert-oasis-habitatdesert-wash-habitatdesert-scrub-edgechaparral-edgepinyon-juniper-woodland-edgeoak-savanna-edgeoak-woodland-edgepine-oak-woodland-edgeponderosa-pine-edgeDouglas-fir-edgespruce-fir-edgeaspen-edgebirch-edgewillow-edgecottonwood-edgesycamore-edgeelm-edgeash-edgemaple-edgehickory-edgewalnut-edgepecan-edgechestnut-edgebeech-edgealder-edgepoplar-edgecottonwood-gallerywillow-galleryelm-galleryash-gallerysycamore-gallerybox-elder-galleryhackberry-edgemulberry-edgeosage-orange-edgelocust-edgeblack-locust-edgehoney-locust-edgeredbud-edgedogwood-edgeviburnum-edgeelderberry-edgesumac-edgepoison-ivy-edgegreenbrier-edgegrape-edgevirginia-creeper-edgebittersweet-edgehoneysuckle-edgeautumn-olive-edgemultiflora-rose-edgeblackberry-edgeraspberry-edgedewberry-edgestrawberry-edgeblueberry-edgehuckleberry-edgecranberry-edgebearberry-edgemanzanita-edgeceanothus-edgebuckbrush-edgesagebrush-edgerabbitbrush-edgegoldenrod-edgeaster-edgesunflower-edgeconeflower-edgeblackeyed-susan-edgecoreopsis-edgegaillardia-edgepaintbrush-edgelupine-edgeclover-edgevetch-edgealfalfa-edgesweet-clover-edgewhite-clover-edgered-clover-edgealsike-clover-edgecrimson-clover-edgesubterranean-clover-edgebird's-foot-trefoil-edgelotus-edgemedick-edgesainfoin-edgeesparcet-edgecrownvetch-edgemilk-vetch-edgelocoweed-edgeprairie-clover-edgeleadplant-edgefalse-indigo-edgewild-indigo-edgebaptisia-edgesenna-edgepartridge-pea-edgesensitive-pea-edgemimosa-edgeacacia-edgemesquite-edgecatclaw-edgepaloverde-edgeironwood-edgedesert-willow-edgeocotillo-edgeagave-edgeyucca-edgesotol-edgenolina-edgebear-grass-edgesacahuista-edgetoothache-grass-edgegalleta-edgegrama-edgebuffalo-grass-edgeprairie-junegrass-edgeneedlegrass-edgericegrass-edgewheatgrass-edgewildrye-edgebrome-edgefescue-edgebluegrass-edgeryegrass-edgeoatgrass-edgehairgrass-edgebentgrass-edgeredtop-edgetimothy-edgeorchard-grass-edgesmooth-brome-edgetall-fescue-edgekentucky-bluegrass-edgeperennial-ryegrass-edgeannual-ryegrass-edgerescue-grass-edgecheatgrass-edgedowny-brome-edgeJapanese-brome-edgemedusahead-edgeventenata-edgesquirreltail-edgefoxtail-edgebristlegrass-edgecrabgrass-edgegoosegrass-edgefall-panicum-edgewitchgrass-edgebarnyard-grass-edgejohnsongrass-edgesorghum-edgecorn-edgewheat-edgebarley-edgeoat-edgerye-edgetriticale-edgerice-edgesugarcane-edgebamboo-edgereed-edgecattail-edgebulrush-edgesedge-edgerush-edgespike-rush-edgewater-plantain-edgearrowhead-edgeduck-potato-edgepickerelweed-edgewater-hyacinth-edgewater-lettuce-edgefrogbit-edgebladderwort-edgemilfoil-edgepondweed-edgenaiad-edgeelodea-edgewaterweed-edgehydrilla-edgeeelgrass-edgewild-celery-edgetape-grass-edgewater-lily-edgewatershield-edgewater-shield-edgespatterdock-edgeyellow-pond-lily-edgewhite-water-lily-edgefragrant-water-lily-edgeamerican-lotus-edgewater-chestnut-edgewater-caltrop-edgesalvinia-edgeazolla-edgemosquito-fern-edgeduckweed-edgewolffia-edgelemna-edgespirodela-edgelandoltia-edgegiant-duckweed-edgewatermeal-edgewater-fern-edgewater-clover-edgewater-shamrock-edgemarsilea-edgepillwort-edgequillwort-edgeclubmoss-edgespikemoss-edgehorsetail-edgescouring-rush-edgefield-horsetail-edgewood-horsetail-edgegiant-horsetail-edgemarsh-horsetail-edgewater-horsetail-edgesnake-grass-edgepuzzlegrass-edgefern-edgebracken-edgecinnamon-fern-edgeinterrupted-fern-edgeostrich-fern-edgesensitive-fern-edgeroyal-fern-edgemarsh-fern-edgehay-scented-fern-edgenew-york-fern-edgeboston-fern-edgemaidenhair-fern-edgemaidenhair-spleenwort-edgeebony-spleenwort-edgewalking-fern-edgehart's-tongue-fern-edgepolypody-edgeresurrection-fern-edgerock-cap-fern-edgelicorice-fern-edgeoak-fern-edgebeech-fern-edgewood-fern-edgeshield-fern-edgebuckler-fern-edgelady-fern-edgemale-fern-edgechain-fern-edgenetted-chain-fern-edgecliff-brake-edgelip-fern-edgemoonwort-edgegrape-fern-edgerattlesnake-fern-edgeadder's-tongue-edgewhisk-fern-edgepsilotum-edgehorsetail-ally-edgelycophyte-edgebryophyte-edgemoss-edgeliverwort-edgehornwort-edgealgae-edgecyanobacteria-edgelichen-edgefungus-edgemushroom-edgepuffball-edgebracket-fungus-edgepolypore-edgeshelf-fungus-edgeconk-edgecoral-fungus-edgeclub-fungus-edgejelly-fungus-edgeear-fungus-edgemorel-edgefalse-morel-edgetruffle-edgecup-fungus-edgesac-fungus-edgeyeast-edgemold-edgemildew-edgerust-edgesmut-edgebacteria-edgearchaea-edgevirus-edgeviroid-edgeprion-edgenematode-edgeflatworm-edgeroundworm-edgesegmented-worm-edgeearthworm-edgeleech-edgeslug-edgesnail-edgeclam-edgemussel-edgeoyster-edgescallop-edgesquid-edgeoctopus-edgenautilus-edgecuttlefish-edgechiton-edgelimpet-edgeabalone-edgeconch-edgewhelk-edgeperiwinkle-edgecowrie-edgecone-snail-edgeauger-snail-edgeturret-snail-edgetower-snail-edgewentletrap-edgenerite-edgetop-snail-edgeturban-snail-edgemoon-snail-edgebasket-snail-edgemud-snail-edgepond-snail-edgeramshorn-snail-edgeapple-snail-edgemystery-snail-edgeivory-snail-edgejanthina-edgeviolet-snail-edgesea-butterfly-edgepteropod-edgeheteropod-edgenudibranch-edgesea-slug-edgesea-hare-edgebubble-shell-edgeheadshield-slug-edgesap-sucking-slug-edgesacoglossan-edgeelysia-edgeaeolid-edgeflabellina-edgechromodoris-edgehypselodoris-edgenembrotha-edgephyllidia-edgephyllodesmium-edgepteraeolidia-edgecratena-edgefacelina-edgedoto-edgedotidae-edgehermissenda-edgecadlina-edgedoris-edgearchidoris-edgegeitodoris-edgediscodoris-edgeporostome-edgepleurobranch-edgesidegill-slug-edgenotaspidean-edgeumbrella-slug-edgeumbrella-shell-edgepleurobranchaea-edgeberthella-edgeberthellina-edgepleurobranchus-edgetylodina-edgeumbraculum-edgeshield-slug-edgeshield-nudibranch-edgearmina-edgearminidae-edgephilinidae-edgephiline-edgeaglaophamus-edgecephalaspidean-edgeheadshield-bubble-edgeacteon-edgeacteonidae-edgebullinidae-edgebulla-edgehaminoea-edgehaminoeidae-edgesmaragdinella-edgesmaragdinellidae-edgephilinopsis-edgeagajidae-edgescaphandridae-edgescaphander-edgecylichnidae-edgecylichna-edgeretusidae-edgeretusa-edgebullidae-edgebullina-edgeaplustrophiidae-edgeaplustrophorus-edgerhizoridae-edgerhizorus-edgephilinoglossidae-edgephilinoglossa-edgegascoignellidae-edgegascoignella-edgeAphilanthopini
ant queen-kidnapping wasps
Aphilanthopini is a small tribe of solitary wasps within the family Crabronidae, comprising two genera and approximately 13 described species. Members are commonly known as ant queen-kidnapping wasps due to their specialized predatory behavior targeting reproductive ants. The tribe was established by R. Bohart in 1966.
Cerceris conifrons
Cerceris conifrons is a solitary, ground-nesting wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Mickel in 1916. Like other members of the genus Cerceris, this species is a specialist predator that captures and paralyzes specific insect prey to provision underground nests for its offspring. The species occurs in North America and Middle America, though detailed biological information remains limited compared to better-studied congeners such as C. fumipennis.
Chyphotes attenuatus
Chyphotes attenuatus is a species of wasp in the family Chyphotidae, a small family of solitary wasps within the order Hymenoptera. The genus Chyphotes belongs to the suborder Apocrita, which includes the majority of Hymenoptera species. Members of Chyphotidae are generally poorly known and understudied compared to other wasp families. The species epithet 'attenuatus' suggests a slender or tapering body form, though specific morphological details for this species remain undocumented in readily available sources.
Chyphotes cooki
Chyphotes cooki is a species of wasp in the family Chyphotidae, a group of small, solitary wasps within the order Hymenoptera. The genus Chyphotes is part of the Bradynobaenidae sensu lato, a lineage of aculeate wasps that are poorly studied and rarely encountered. Records of this species are extremely limited, with only two observations documented on iNaturalist. The biology and ecology of Chyphotes cooki remain largely unknown due to its rarity and the secretive habits typical of chyphotid wasps.
Crabronidae
Square-headed Wasps, Sand Wasps, Digger Wasps
Crabronidae is a large family of solitary wasps within the superfamily Apoidea, containing over 200 genera and more than 9,000 species. Formerly treated as a subfamily of Sphecidae, it was elevated to family status following taxonomic revision. The family is now recognized as paraphyletic, with bees (Anthophila) and Sphecidae having arisen from within it. Members are commonly known as square-headed wasps, sand wasps, and digger wasps.
Crossocerus
Crossocerus is a large genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, comprising at least 250 described species. These solitary wasps are characterized by their distinctive head shape and predatory lifestyle. The genus is taxonomically well-established and widely distributed across multiple continents.
Delta
potter wasps
Delta is a genus of Old World potter wasps in the family Vespidae, subfamily Eumeninae. The genus was established by Henri Louis Frédéric de Saussure in 1855. Species are predominantly distributed through tropical Africa and Asia, with some representation in the Palearctic region. A few species have been introduced to the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Delta wasps construct characteristic pot-shaped mud nests and provision them with paralyzed caterpillars for their developing larvae.
Eumenes
potter wasps
Eumenes is the type genus of the subfamily Eumeninae, commonly known as potter wasps. This large and widespread genus contains over 100 taxa (species and subspecies), predominantly distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Females construct distinctive free-form mud nests—urn-shaped cells about the size of a marble, often with fluted necks—each housing a single offspring provisioned with paralyzed caterpillars. The genus is characterized by black or brown coloration with striking contrasting patterns of yellow, white, orange, or red.
Euodynerus
potter wasps, mason wasps
Euodynerus is a genus of solitary potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae, characterized by diverse nesting behaviors including the use of pre-existing cavities, mud construction, and in some species, burrow excavation with distinctive mud chimneys. The genus has a primarily Holarctic distribution with extensions into tropical regions. Females provision nests with paralyzed caterpillars as food for their larvae. Several species are widespread across North America and have been documented using artificial nest blocks.
Eustalomyia
Eustalomyia is a genus of root-maggot flies in the family Anthomyiidae, comprising approximately five described species. The genus is notable for its kleptoparasitic relationship with solitary wasps, particularly those in the family Crabronidae. Adults are typically found near wood harboring wasp nests, where they deposit eggs. The larvae develop within the stored prey provisions of their hosts.
Gorytina
Gorytina is a subtribe of digger wasps within the tribe Bembicini, family Crabronidae. These wasps are solitary and typically nest in soil, with many species specializing on particular prey types. The subtribe includes approximately 20 genera distributed globally, with notable diversity in North America. Members are distinguished from other Bembicini by morphological features of the clypeus and labrum.
Hapalomellinus
Hapalomellinus is a genus of digger wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. Established by Ashmead in 1899, it belongs to the tribe Bembicini within the subtribe Gorytina. The genus contains at least three described species: Hapalomellinus albitomentosus, H. pulvis, and H. teren. Like other Bembicinae, these wasps are solitary and nest in soil.
Hoplisoides
sand wasps
Hoplisoides is a genus of solitary sand wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing at least 70 described species worldwide. These small wasps are characterized by their spotted wings and specialized predatory behavior targeting treehoppers (Membracidae). Females construct short burrows in sandy soil to provision with paralyzed prey for their larvae. The genus is distributed globally except Australia, with approximately 18 species in North America.
Ichneumonoidea
Ichneumonid and Braconid Wasps
Ichneumonoidea is a superfamily of Hymenoptera containing two extant families: Ichneumonidae and Braconidae, the two largest families within the order. The group encompasses an estimated 100,000 species, the vast majority undescribed. Members are solitary parasitoid wasps whose larvae develop on or inside host insects, eventually killing them. The superfamily is defined morphologically by fusion of the costal and radial veins of the fore wing and typically more than 11 antennal segments.
Larrina
larrine wasps
Larrina is a subtribe of digger wasps within the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. These solitary wasps are characterized by reduced simple eyes (ocelli) that appear as scars rather than functional eyes. Members of this group nest in soil and provision their young with paralyzed insect prey. The subtribe includes genera such as Tachytes and the remarkable giant wasp Megalara garuda from Indonesia.
Larrini
square-headed wasps
Larrini is a tribe of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as square-headed wasps. The tribe contains approximately 15 genera and over 1,300 described species. Members are characterized by reduced ocelli, often appearing as small scars rather than functional simple eyes. The tribe includes well-known genera such as Tachytes and Liris, which are common in North America and have been studied for their nesting biology and prey specialization.
Larropsis
square-headed wasps
Larropsis is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing more than 40 described species. These solitary wasps are members of the tribe Larrini and are known for their nesting behavior, including nest construction and provisioning with prey. The genus was established by Patton in 1892. Specific ecological details remain limited for many species.
Lestica
Lestica is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing at least 40 described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Crabronini, which includes primarily predatory wasps that provision nests with prey for their larvae. Species of Lestica are distributed across multiple continents, with records from Europe, North America, and tropical Africa. The genus can be distinguished from similar crabronine genera by morphological features of the abdomen.
Maricopodynerus
Maricopodynerus is a Nearctic genus of potter wasps (family Eumenidae) distributed in western North America. The genus is distinguished by a pronounced morphological feature: the second metasomal segment has a tergum that is substantially larger than its sternum. Species within this genus occur west of the 100° western meridian in the United States and Mexico. The genus was reviewed taxonomically by Bohart in 1989.
Metopia
satellite flies
Metopia is a genus of kleptoparasitic flies in the family Sarcophagidae, subfamily Miltogramminae, commonly known as 'satellite flies.' The genus contains at least 50 described species. Adult females are known to follow solitary wasps back to their nest burrows, where they deposit live larvae at the entrance. These larvae then enter the burrow and parasitize the wasp larvae or their provisioned prey. This behavior has been documented with hosts including beewolves (Philanthus), thread-waisted wasps (Ammophila), and ant-queen kidnappers (Aphilanthops).
Microbembex
sand wasps
Microbembex is a genus of sand wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing more than 30 described species. These solitary wasps are known for nesting in sandy substrates and have been documented primarily in North America. The genus has been the subject of behavioral studies, particularly regarding nest-finding and activity patterns. Some species have been recorded as hosts for velvet ants (Mutillidae).
Miscophini
square-headed wasps
Miscophini is a tribe of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as square-headed wasps. The tribe comprises approximately 17 genera and at least 570 described species. These wasps are part of the diverse crabronid wasp fauna and are characterized by their distinctive head shape.
Miscophus
Miscophus is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing over 180 described species. Members of this genus are solitary wasps that nest in soil or other substrates. The genus is classified within the tribe Miscophini and has a broad distribution across multiple continents.
Myrmilloides
Myrmilloides is a genus of velvet ants (family Mutillidae) established by André in 1902. The genus is currently considered doubtful in GBIF taxonomy, suggesting taxonomic uncertainty or potential synonymy with other genera. As members of Mutillidae, species in this group are solitary wasps with wingless females and winged males. The genus has been recorded in iNaturalist with 143 observations, indicating some level of field recognition despite taxonomic questions.
Odynerus
potter wasps, mason wasps
Odynerus is a primarily Holarctic genus of potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae. The genus has been widely used as a root for constructing names of other potter wasp genera with non-petiolated metasoma, including Euodynerus, Acarodynerus, Stenodynerus, Parodontodynerus, and Incodynerus. Species within this genus are solitary wasps that construct nests using mud or soil, often with distinctive turrets or chimneys. The genus contains hundreds of species, with Odynerus spinipes being particularly notable for exhibiting exceptional intrasexual cuticular hydrocarbon dimorphism in females.
Oxybelini
square-headed wasps
Oxybelini is a tribe of Crabronidae containing approximately 15 genera and over 440 described species, commonly known as square-headed wasps. Members are specialized predators of flies, exhibiting a highly concentrated stinging pattern that targets the prey's nervous system with a single thoracic sting rather than the multiple stings typical of other digger wasps. This reduced stinging sequence correlates with the simplified nervous system of dipteran prey, which typically possess a single fused thoracic ganglionic mass.
Pachodynerus
potter wasps
Pachodynerus is a genus of approximately 50 species of solitary potter wasps in the subfamily Eumeninae. The genus exhibits highest diversity in central South America, with species distributed across the Neotropical and Nearctic regions. These wasps are cavity-nesters that construct mud cells in pre-existing holes, including abandoned insect burrows, plant stems, and human-made structures. Several species have been introduced beyond their native ranges, including P. nasidens which has established populations on oceanic islands and caused aviation safety incidents in Australia by nesting in aircraft pitot probes.
Pemphredoninae
Aphid Wasps
Pemphredoninae is a large subfamily of solitary, parasitoidal wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing over 1,000 species. Members are commonly known as aphid wasps due to the prevalence of aphid predation in many genera, though prey preferences vary consistently by genus. The subfamily has historically been treated as a separate family. Most species nest in pre-existing cavities including hollow stems, twigs, beetle borings, or excavated tunnels in soil or plant material. Several genera exhibit social or communal nesting behaviors, including Microstigmus and Spilomena.
Philanthinae
beewolves, weevil wasps, ant-queen kidnappers
Philanthinae is a large subfamily of solitary predatory wasps within Crabronidae, containing approximately 1100 species across 9 genera, with Cerceris being the most diverse. Members are commonly known as beewolves, weevil wasps, and ant-queen kidnappers, reflecting their specialized prey preferences. Adult females excavate underground burrows for nesting and provision cells with paralyzed prey for their larvae. The subfamily exhibits remarkable behavioral complexity for solitary wasps, including prey embalming, landmark-based navigation, territoriality, and scent-marking. Three tribes are recognized: Philanthini (beewolves), Cercerini (weevil wasps), and Aphilanthopsini (ant-queen kidnappers), each with distinct morphological and ecological specializations.
Pisonopsis
square-headed wasps
Pisonopsis is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, established by W. Fox in 1893. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Americas. Like other members of the tribe Trypoxylini, these wasps are solitary hunters. The genus name refers to their resemblance to the related genus Pison.
Plenoculus
square-headed wasps
Plenoculus is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, established by W. Fox in 1893. The genus contains more than 20 described species. Members belong to the tribe Miscophini, a group of solitary wasps within the subfamily Crabroninae. These wasps are part of the diverse crabronid lineage, which includes many predatory species that hunt arthropod prey to provision their nests.
Pompilidae
Spider Wasps, Spider-hunting Wasps, Pompilid Wasps
Spider wasps in the family Pompilidae are solitary, stinging wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The family contains approximately 5,000 described species in six subfamilies, distributed worldwide. Most species capture and paralyze spiders using venom, then deposit them in burrows or cavities where a single egg is laid on each victim. Females of the genus Auplopus construct distinctive free-standing mud cells, while most other genera excavate burrows in soil or use pre-existing cavities. Members of the subfamily Ceropalinae are kleptoparasites, laying eggs in the nests of other pompilids or acting as ectoparasitoids of living spiders rather than building their own nests.
Hymenopterasolitary-waspsspider-predatorsparasitoidsmud-nest-buildersburrowing-waspsant-mimicskleptoparasitesPepsinaeCeropalinaePompilinaeAuplopusAnopliusAgeniellaCaliadurgusPepsisPriocnemisAplocharesArachnospilaEvagetesAgenioideusEpisyronNanoclaveliaPedinpompilusAgenioidevatetesNorth-AmericaAustraliaIranEuropecosmopolitanPompilinae
spider wasps
Pompilinae is a subfamily of spider wasps (family Pompilidae) comprising approximately 107 genera. Species are solitary wasps that hunt spiders, paralyzing them with venom to serve as food for their larvae. Females excavate burrows or use pre-existing cavities, deposit a single egg on the paralyzed prey, and conceal the nest entrance. The subfamily exhibits considerable diversity in host associations and nesting behaviors across its constituent tribes.
Pompilini
spider wasps
Pompilini is a tribe of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, comprising approximately 18 genera and at least 50 described species. Members are solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The tribe includes genera such as Anoplius, Poecilopompilus, and Agenioideus, which vary considerably in size, coloration, and host spider preferences. Most species construct underground burrows where they deposit a single paralyzed spider with an egg.
Potter and Mason Wasps
Potter Wasps, Mason Wasps
Eumeninae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of solitary wasps within Vespidae, commonly known as potter and mason wasps. The group includes approximately 3,579 described species worldwide, making it the most diverse group within Vespidae. Adults are primarily nectar-feeders, while larvae are predatory, developing on paralyzed caterpillars or beetle larvae provided by females. Nesting strategies are diverse: many species use pre-existing cavities in hollow stems, wood, or abandoned insect burrows, while others construct free-form mud nests or excavate burrows in soil. Females typically lay a single egg suspended by a silken thread before provisioning cells with prey, a distinctive trait among solitary wasps.
Saygorytes
Saygorytes is a genus of sand wasps in the family Crabronidae, established by Nemkov in 2007. The genus comprises approximately seven described species distributed in North America. Members are solitary wasps that visit sunflowers and other plants for nectar. They are part of the diverse community of wasps attracted to extrafloral nectaries on sunflowers in arid and disturbed habitats.
Sphecidae
Thread-waisted Wasps, Sand Wasps, Mud Daubers
Sphecidae is a cosmopolitan family of solitary, predatory wasps characterized by a narrow petiole (thread-waisted appearance). The family was historically much broader but has been redefined following phylogenetic studies that demonstrated the former Sphecidae (sensu lato) was paraphyletic. The current restricted family (sensu stricto) includes four subfamilies: Ammophilinae, Chloriontinae, Sceliphrinae, and Sphecinae. Members construct diverse nest types including burrows in soil, pre-existing cavities, and free-standing mud or resin structures. All are predatory and parasitoidal, provisioning nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae.
Spheciina
Spheciina is a subtribe of sand wasps within the tribe Bembicini, family Crabronidae. These wasps are characterized by their fossorial (digging) behavior and predatory lifestyle. The subtribe was established by Nemkov & Ohl in 2011 based on phylogenetic analysis. Members are primarily solitary hunters that provision nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae.
Sphex
digger wasps
Sphex is a cosmopolitan genus of solitary wasps containing over 130 species. Females construct subterranean nests provisioned with paralyzed insects, primarily katydids and other orthopterans, as food for their larvae. The genus is notable for its stereotyped nesting behaviors that have been extensively studied in cognitive science and philosophy of mind, particularly the so-called 'Sphex Wasp Experiment' demonstrating rigid behavioral sequences.
Steniolia
sand wasps
Steniolia is a genus of solitary sand wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing approximately 15 described species. All North American species are western in distribution, with four species extending only as far north as Mexico. Females are fossorial, constructing single-celled burrows in dry, powdery soil to provision with paralyzed flies. The genus is notable for ornate coloration, elongated mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding, and distinctive nightly sleeping clusters formed by both sexes.
Tiphiinae
Tiphiinae is the larger of two subfamilies in the family Tiphiidae, with worldwide distribution. Members are small to medium solitary wasps, up to 25 mm in length. The subfamily includes approximately twelve genera, with Tiphia being the most species-rich and widely studied. Males possess wings; females may be winged or wingless, with wingless females showing distinct thoracic segmentation.
Tracheliodes
Tracheliodes is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae. Species are distributed across Europe, Africa, and North America. The genus was established by A. Morawitz in 1866.
Vespidae
Hornets, Paper Wasps, Potter Wasps, Yellowjackets, Mason Wasps
A large, cosmopolitan family of wasps encompassing nearly 5,000 described species. Vespidae includes nearly all known eusocial wasps—such as hornets, yellowjackets, and paper wasps—as well as numerous solitary species including potter and mason wasps. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in nesting behavior, from paper nests constructed from chewed plant fibers to mud nests and soil burrows. Social colonies typically contain a reproductive queen and sterile or subfertile female workers, with temperate species producing new queens and males annually before colony collapse in winter.
Zethus
mason wasps, potter wasps
Zethus is the largest genus in the subfamily Eumeninae (potter and mason wasps), containing over 250 species. The genus is predominantly Neotropical in distribution, with three recognized subgenera: Zethus (Zethus), Zethus (Zethusculus), and Zethus (Zethoides). Species are solitary and construct nests using diverse materials including mud, sand, vegetable matter, and insect parts. Many species are poorly known, with numerous taxa described from only one sex.