Wasp - Parancistrocerus

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Hexapods (Hexapoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies (Hymenoptera) » Aculeata - Ants, Bees and Stinging Wasps » Vespoidea » Hornets, Yellowjackets; Paper, Potter, Mason, and Pollen Wasps; and Allies (Vespidae) » Potter and Mason Wasps (Eumeninae) » Parancistrocerus

Photo#168573

Copyright © 2008 Donna Brunet

Wasp - Parancistrocerus

Cole County, Missouri, USA
October 6, 2007

I found this wasp on a leaf with feeding damage. The wasp was biting into the leaf in what I assumed was an attempt to find a leaf mining insect. The wasp was alternating between ripping open holes in the leaf (you can see the holes ripped open by the wasp just behind it) and crawling over both surfaces of the leaf. The wasp eventually flew off, apparently unsuccessful in finding anything. I don't know how long it was on the leaf, but my photos (the ones that weren't deleted) start at 11:41 and end at 11:57.

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Contributed by Donna Brunet on 6 February, 2008 - 9:32pm
Last updated 7 February, 2008 - 9:25am

Wasp ID

Thanks for all the help.

… Donna Brunet, 8 February, 2008 - 1:12pm

Way cool!

What great documentation of behavior, with a simply outstanding image to boot! Keep up the great work, Donna.

… Eric R. Eaton, 7 February, 2008 - 1:14pm

Parancistrocerus sp. - female (Eumeninae)

P. leionotus or a very closely related species.
These was indeed an unsuccessful attempt to find a leaf mining caterpillar, the staple food for her brood. Either the larva managed to escape or - more likely - she had left the spot before the wasp's arrival,

… Richard Vernier, 7 February, 2008 - 5:35am

Parancistrocerus sp.

I agree with the genus ID though the species is likely not P. leionotus (which lacks the yellow spot on the scutum). This could be P. salcularis, P. bicornis or P. pedestris.

… Matthias Buck, 8 February, 2008 - 8:32am

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