Identification
Shining black with some white pubescence, hind tarsi partly white. Largest species in the genus.
Forewing of this group (tribe Trypoxylini) has one submarginal cell, and the marginal cell is pointed apically. Likewise, in this tribe, abdomen is narrow, but enlarged apically (i.e., not much of a wasp waist), and longer than head and thorax.
Range
Eastern North America: Massachusetts south to Florida, west to Kansas, Texas.
Season
Spring and summer. March-September (North Carolina).
Life Cycle
Builds characteristic "pipe organ" nests on walls, etc. Provisions with 3-18 spiders per cell. Males may stand guard at nest during its construction and while females forage. Males emit a loud buzzing sound when nest is approached or disturbed.
Remarks
Reported to be non-aggressive unless molested.
Print References
Arnett, p. 597--description, gives size as 14 mm, but this is likely a typographic error for 24 mm.
(1)
Salsbury, p. 285--photo
(2)
Borror and White, pp. 350-351, illustration of wing venation for this subfamily
(3)
Lutz, 3rd edition, p. 420
(4)
Swan and Papp, p. 563, fig. 1222--nest
(5)
O'Neill, p. 174, fig. 6-5C, nest
(6)
Internet References
Hilton Pond--good photos of nests, grubs
Contributed by
john and jane balaban on 21 September, 2004 - 7:56pm
Additional contributions by
cotinisLast updated 13 November, 2005 - 1:46pm
