Euodynerus annulatus

Ringed Mason Wasp

Introduction:

When I saw these, they were tiny, perhaps 5mm at most, maybe juveniles. note the flattened flagellomere (tips of the antenna). It is a species of potter wasp in the family Vespidae, characterized by its black and yellow body with a distinctive ring pattern on its abdomen.
Life Cycle:

Size 0.6 inch (8-10 mm)
Sexual Dimorphism: true
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)

Insect Data

Names and Taxonomy

Common Names: Ringed Mason Wasp
Synonyms:
Order: Hymenoptera (Wasps, Bees and Ants)
Family: Vespidae (Social Wasps)
Genus Information: 1 species in NV, nk in CA, 28 in US

Distribution

Distribution: North America, Canada to Mexico
Seen: Point of Rocks, Ash Meadows (8/18)
Habitat: Females often favor nesting near water sources, as they use water to soften the soil for digging. She diggs a burrow with a mud chimney.
Food: Adults feed on nectar and pollen from flowers, while females hunt caterpillars to paralyze and store as food for their developing larvae

Photographs

Ringed Mason Wasp (Euodynerus annulatus)

Point of Rocks, Ash Meadows (8/18)

Ringed Mason Wasp (Euodynerus annulatus)

Point of Rocks, Ash Meadows (8/18)

Ringed Mason Wasp (Euodynerus annulatus)

Point of Rocks, Ash Meadows (8/18)

Vocabulary Reference Material

Plants, leaf and flower anatomy is essential to properly classify

Sky Island vegetation biomes

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Get in touch

I am usually out hiking, birding or traveling but you can reach me at:

buzardweb@gmail.com