Ammophila and/or Podalonia - Ammophila

Female & Male!

Scott, I believe that these are both of the sexes of Ammophila procera. The female, on the left is exactly the same as your other post into that species. Here is the link:

Please let me know what you think about this. Thanks

… Bob Biagi, 31 July, 2015 - 1:13am

Close ups

It would help if you told us which close ups belong to the individual on the right and on the left.

… Beatriz Moisset, 29 August, 2006 - 6:51am

Clarification

The first wing and head picture belong the the left specimen and the second wing and head shot belong to the right specimen.

… Scott Nelson, 29 August, 2006 - 6:16pm

Ammophilini

Things should not be too confusing in Florida. Where you will have only one Podalonia species. And about three Ammophila (placida, procera and urnaria). Ammophila is much more confusing in the west. The Podalonia species in Florida does have some red on the abdomen. You should be able to separate the two genera with a side shot of where the petiole joins the terminal abdominal segments.

See the last couplet here:
http://www.hr-rna.com/RNA/Other%20insect%20pages/Wasp%20Keys/Key%20Ammophilini.htm

I am not sure you don't have a male on the right and a female on the left in your shots.

… Herschel Raney, 19 July, 2006 - 11:35am

Ammophila.

Yes, these are both Ammophila sp, and may very well be female (left) and male (right) of the same species. Males generally have more vague red markings, and are a little smaller and sleeker.

… Eric R. Eaton, 20 July, 2006 - 6:11pm

Confirmation

Thanks, Eric, for the confirmation. I didn't know that sex differences in the mouths occurred. I looked at the site that Herschel suggested, viewed the petiole and reached the same conclusion. Can't seem to key this species out since it isn't procera which is in the guide, but the other two, placida and urnaria, species given by Herschel aren't either. Is this one of them?

… Scott Nelson, 20 July, 2006 - 6:56pm

Mouthparts.

One specimen has the "tongue" extended, while the other does not. It is not part of sexual dimorphism.

… Eric R. Eaton, 13 June, 2007 - 7:25pm