Names and Taxonomy
- Common Names: hairy-footed scoliid wasp or yellow scarab hunter wasp
- Synonyms:
- Order: Hymenoptera (Wasps, Bees and Ants)
- Family: Scoliidae (Scolid Wasps)
- Genus Information: 1 species in NV, 1 in CA, 12 in US
Dielis pilipes
Hairy-footed Scoliid Wasp
Introduction:
It is a solitary wasp that parasitizes the larvae of Ten-lined June beetles, specifically Polyphylla crinita and P. decemlineata, in sandy soils. The female wasp lays her eggs on the grubs of Ten-lined June beetles, and the wasp larvae feed on the beetle larva.
Life Cycle:
Size (20-25 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism: Females are distinguished by their white hairs, especially on the face, and yellow-marked abdomens
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)
