Another Scoliid on Jackass Clover Borrego Sink 14 Oct 2003 - Scolia nobilitata

Scolia nobilitata

One of the southwestern variants of this species.

Moved from Scoliid Wasps.

… George Waldren, 29 September, 2009 - 9:29pm

Scolia nobilitata

Thanks so much, George. I'm delighted to have this scoliid identified. I've wondered which one it was (of California's seven species) for a very long time.

… Lynn Monroe, 30 September, 2009 - 8:18am

Glad to get a name on it for you

S. nobilitata has so many variations, even the differences between this one and the one posted from AZ are noticeable.

… George Waldren, 30 September, 2009 - 10:36am

two variations

The two variations I sent in are bugguide.net/node/view/338900 and bugguide.net/node/view/338902.

… Lynn Monroe, 30 September, 2009 - 12:45pm

S. nobilitata variations

Actually, I have two other variations that are only about 10 to 15 miles apart. I was able to ID them because I photographed the wing venation. I will post them, also. To me they look quite different from this one.

BTW, is the subspecies otomita, used as genus in Hurd's The Scoliidae of California, still used?

Again, thanks so much. I really appreciate your help.

… Lynn Monroe, 30 September, 2009 - 12:11pm

Happy to help

Hurd's key is out of date. The best key right now is MacKay's southwestern Scoliidae key. Just e-mailed it to you.

Ssp. otomita is still used, but usually most just call it Scolia nobilitata since this species is widespread over the US, since ranges overlap for some subspecies.

… George Waldren, 30 September, 2009 - 12:24pm

Female.

Probably the same species as your other one, but I'm not positive.

… Eric R. Eaton, 21 September, 2008 - 11:31pm

Another scoliid

They really are different. Guess we'd have to see them together or male AND female specimens in a museum to be sure.

… Lynn Monroe, 22 September, 2008 - 2:31am