Species Ammophila procera

Ammophila procera Dahlbom, 1843

20-35 mm ♀; 15-31 mm ♂(1)

At a glance: A. procera is a widespread and common species in eastern North America. It has fairly distinctive, bold silver dashes (front-most interrupted) on the thorax, and is one of the largest members of the genus.

Caution: According to Dr. Matthias Buck, color pattern alone is not sufficient to identify this species. Certain identification as to species is often not plausible based on photographs and results in frequent misidentification. It is a common misconception that the bands of silvery setae are diagnostic despite being shared by various allies. See his comments on this iNat observation.

Full diagnosis: Head and legs black; scutal fossae, collar, lower metapleuron, and gena with silvery setae; side of pronotum glabrous; pronotum and mesoscutum with transverse ridges; metapleural flange arcuate (not angulate) and lamelliform; episternal sulcus short and terminating opposite pronotal lobe; propodeal enclosure shiny with appressed setae. Female additionally with clypeal lobe with 2 angles and labrum acuminate. Male additionally with hypostomal carina simple and lacking process.(1)

Widespread in North America

Varied. Often seen on flowers.

June-October, mostly July-August (Michigan)

May-October (North Carolina)

Adults take nectar.

Provisions nest with sawfly or lepidopteran caterpillars.

Other Ammophila species.

Salsbury, pp. 284-285, has photo of A. procera and description.(2)

Insects of Cedar Creek

Clemson Univ.

Univ. Florida--brief life history

Sphecid Wasps of Michigan

Dick Walton Natural History Services. Video of wasp digging nest