Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Eremnophila aureonotata (
Cameron, 1888)
Explanation of Names
Species name is from aureo Latin gold, plus notatus, meaning marked or noted (Internet searches/Latin dictionary).
Size
17-25 mm (guide photos, estimates)
Identification
The blue-black body and silve/gold patches are distinctive. The patches may wear off in older individuals (Troy Bartlett).
Range
Eastern, central US, southern Canada, through Central America.
Habitat
Old fields near deciduous or other(?) woodlands.
Season
Summer through fall, June-October (North Carolina). In Michigan reported June-September, most commonly July-August.
Life Cycle
Female digs burrow and provisions with a single large lepidopteran larvae. These are reported to include various moths from the families Noctuidae, Notodontidae (especially), and Sphingidae, and also skippers (Hesperidae).
The wasp is commonly found on wildflowers with large clusters of blossoms, such as Queen Anne's Lace, from summer into fall. One frequently observes mating pairs on the flowers.
Print References
Marshall, photo 555.1, gives primary prey as Notodontidae
(1)
Eaton and Kaufman, pp. 334-335
(2)
Arnett, p. 595, describes, but does not illustrate, gives only one North American species in the genus, and gives the range as eastern and central US
(3)
Rea has a photo of this species and identifies as
Ammophila (4)
Brimley, p. 444, gives season in North Carolina
(5)Internet References
Liberty Hall Biodiversity, Kean University, New Jersey
Sphecid Wasps of Michigan, has an image and brief life history
Cal. Academy of Sciences--pdf document on genus, extensive bibliography
Contributed by
Cotinis on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm
Last updated 8 December, 2009 - 4:52pm
