This Mason wasp is approximately 1/2 inch in length. The antennae are black. The head is mostly black. The thorax is black with 2 small yellow spots at the the wing bases and a yellow dorsal line. The abdomen is marked with only two yellow bands. The wings are a smoky brown color. The femurs are black and the tibia and tarsii are yellowish. This wasp was identified by Dr. Matthias Buck, a volunteer expert with the BugGuide website.
This species has been photographed three times in Fontenelle Forest, most recently in October 2016. It is presumed to be uncommon in this area since it is near the western limit of its range. The individual shown here was photographed in Fontenelle Forest in mid-October 2016 in the restored butterfly garden in the wetlands.
This wasp nests in hollow twigs, especially sumac. The female glues sand particles together to make nest partitions and closing plugs. Moth caterpillars are the prey. All species in this genus have an acarinarium (mite chamber) in the space between the base of Tergum 2 and the posterior overhang of Tergum 1 which is used to carry symbiotic mites.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.