Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Masaris vespoides Cresson 1863
Pseudomasaris vespoides Della Torre 1904
Identification
A sharp transverse ridge right above antennal sockets
Fore basitarsus with a long posterior fringe
Hind basitarsus is curved and distally lobed (more distinct in males)
(1)
Males:
Antennal club is 'paddle-like'
Gastral tergite VII (almost always) has a pair of dorsal tubercles
Range
w US (WA-CA to SD-NM) to Baja
(2)Food
Adults found on/near Penstemon spp., often on blue species. Adults feed on nectar, sometimes from plants other than Penstemon.
Remarks
Probably the most common species of Pseudomasaris.
Print References
Bradley J.C. (1922) The taxonomy of the Masarid wasps, including a monograph of the North American species. UC Publ. Entomol. 1: 369-464. (
Full text)
Cresson, E. T. (1863). Description of a new species of
Masaris, from the Rocky Mountains. Proc. Ent. Soc. Philadelphia 2:69-74 (
Original Description: Full Text;
Plate 4)
Davidson, A. 1913.
Masaria vespoides. Southern Calif. Acad. Sci. Bull., 12(1):17-18. (
Full Text)
Hicks, C. H. (1927). Pseudomasaris vespoides (Cresson), a pollen provisioning wasp. Can. Entomol., 59(4) : 75-79.
Hicks, C. H. (1929). Pseudomasaris edwardsi Cresson, another pollen provisioning wasp, with further notes on P. vespoides (Cresson). Can. Entomol., 59(6): 121-125.
Longair R.W. (1987) Mating behavior at floral resources in two species of
Pseudomasaris (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Masarinae). Proc. Ent. Soc. Wash. 89: 759-769.
Full text
Torchio P.F. (1974) Mechanisms involved in the pollination of
Penstemon visited by the masarid wasp
Pseudomasaris vespoides (Cresson). Pan-Pac. Entomol. 50: 226-234.
Full Text