Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp
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Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp
pachodynerus erynnis
The Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp (Pachodynerus erynnis) is a fascinating species of solitary mason wasp, often encountered in a variety of habitats across its range. Unlike their social relatives like hornets or yellowjackets, these wasps lead independent lives, with each female building and provisioning her own nest. They are critical insect predators, playing an important role in controlling populations of various insect larvae, particularly caterpillars and beetle grubs, which they use as food for their developing offspring. Their presence often indicates a healthy ecosystem where a diverse array of insects thrive.
Habitat: Found in open woodlands, fields, gardens, and suburban areas, often near human structures where nesting sites are abundant.
Appearance
This medium-sized solitary wasp typically measures between 1.0 to 1.5 cm in length. Its body is predominantly black with striking yellow and distinct reddish-orange markings. The specific "red-marked" feature usually refers to prominent reddish bands or spots on the abdomen, and sometimes on the thorax or head. Its wings are clear or slightly dusky, and its body is relatively robust and somewhat stout compared to more slender wasp species. The antennae are dark, often with a slight club at the end, and the legs are mostly black or dark with some yellow accents.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHymenopteraFamilyVespidaeGenusPachodynerus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite being solitary, these wasps are not aggressive towards humans unless directly provoked or threatened, preferring to focus on their nesting and foraging activities.
Each paralyzed caterpillar or beetle grub placed in a nest cell remains alive but immobile, providing fresh food for the developing wasp larva over several days.
Female Pachodynerus erynnis wasps build individual mud nests, often utilizing abandoned beetle burrows or hollow stems, which they provision with paralyzed prey for their single offspring.
The 'red-marked' name highlights distinct reddish-orange patterns on their otherwise black and yellow bodies, which are key for species identification.
Special abilities
Ability
Prey Paralysis
The female wasp possesses a potent venom used to paralyze insect larvae, such as caterpillars and beetle grubs. This allows her to transport living, but immobile, prey back to her nest cells for her offspring.
Ability
Mud Nest Construction
Females are skilled architects, constructing individual nest cells from mud. These nests are typically built in pre-existing cavities like abandoned beetle borings, hollow plant stems, or even human-made structures.
Ability
Precise Larval Provisioning
Each nest cell is meticulously stocked with several paralyzed prey items, ensuring a fresh and ample food supply for the single wasp larva that hatches within. This careful provisioning is crucial for the larva's development.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1 cm
- Wingspan
- 2-3 cm
- Weight
- 0.0005-0.001 kg
- Lifespan
- 0 years
- Clutch Size
- 10-20
- Incubation
- 2-5 days
Diet & Feeding
Adult Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasps primarily feed on nectar from flowers for energy. Their larvae, however, are carnivorous, developing on paralyzed insect larvae provided by the mother.
Age differences: Larvae consume paralyzed insect prey, while adult wasps primarily feed on nectar and occasionally pollen.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Caterpillars
- Beetle larvae
- Pollen
Foraging Method
- Adult Females Hunt And Paralyze Insect Larvae, Transporting Them To Their Nests. Adults Forage For Nectar.
Ecological connections
hunts
Cabbage Looper Caterpillar
Trichoplusia ni
Main food source for larvae, paralyzed and stored in nest cells.
nectar source
Goldenrod
Solidago spp.
Adult wasps feed on nectar from these flowers for energy.
parasite
Chalcid Wasp
Chalcididae spp.
Parasitic wasp whose larvae develop inside the Red-Marked Pachodynerus wasp larvae or pupae.
eaten by
Eastern Phoebe
Sayornis phoebe
Known predator of various insects, including solitary wasps.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp?
The easiest way to identify Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp?
1 cm
What is Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp's wingspan?
2-3 cm
How much does Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp weigh?
0.0005-0.001 kg
How long does Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp live?
0 years
What does Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp eat?
Adult Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasps primarily feed on nectar from flowers for energy. Their larvae, however, are carnivorous, developing on paralyzed insect larvae provided by the mother.
Where is Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp usually found?
Found in open woodlands, fields, gardens, and suburban areas, often near human structures where nesting sites are abundant.
How does Red-Marked Pachodynerus Wasp hunt?
Adult Females Hunt And Paralyze Insect Larvae, Transporting Them To Their Nests. Adults Forage For Nectar.
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