Sand Wasp – Bicyrtes quadrifasciata
Order Hymenoptera – Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies / Family Crabronidae
Live adult wasps photographed in the wild at DuPage County, Illinois. Size: 15mm
This wasp is unusual amidst the hymenoptera in that it has three undeveloped ocelli on its head rather than the usual formation. Ocelli are simple eyes many insects use in conjunction with their compound eyes.
Most Hymenoptera have a trio of ocelli on the top of their head.
“The female constructs her nest alone in the ground in sandy areas and provides for her offspring; nests are often placed so closely together that the wasps may be said to form colonies.
Prey is paralyzed and stocked in the nest in a state of suspended animation; the egg hatches and feeds on the body of the still-living prey.
Undeveloped ocelli are visible on top of the head
References
- Smith, M. R. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, September 1923, BICYRTES QUADRIFASCIATA
Bees & Wasps Index | Bees & Wasps Main
Tree Encyclopedia / North American Insects & Spiders
Online since 2002
