The potter wasp, aka mason wasp, a subfamily of Vespidae, dwells in multiple continents such as North America, Europe, and Australia. This makes them a cosmopolitan species. These wasps face the ongoing threats of attacks and parasitism by cuckoo wasps and tachinid flies, to name a few. Habitat loss and destruction is another issue they face as clearing of semi-natural areas, forests, and fields removes essential nesting substrates (such as hollow twigs, old beetle burrows, and soft clay sources). Heavy pesticide use can reduce the availability of their primary target prey (that being moth caterpillars and beetle larvae) and this also reduces floral nectar sources vital for adult energy. Finally, climate change causes severe weather disruptions and extreme seasonal changes that can disrupt the delicate timing of adult emergence, foraging, and prey abundance. However, due to their abundance and distribution, they are not evaluated by the IUCN.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Eumeninae
Weight: Up to .007 ounce
Length: Up to 1 inch
Wingspan: Up to 1 inch
Lifespan: Up to 1 year
Now on to the Facts!
1.) Eumenine wasps are quite diverse in the construction of their nests. They can adapt to existing holes and burrows left by other insects or build their own nest from mud and other materials.
2.) The female wasp will gather up mud or dirt with her mandibles and front legs, combining the substrate with water and/or saliva to form a mud ball, then she transports it back to add the substance(s) to her nest.
3.) All 3,000+ known species are considered predators, most of them individual mass provisioners, however, some isolated species display primitive states of social behavior and progressive provisioning.
4.) As soon as a cell is completed, the adult wasp usually collects beetle larvae, spiders, or caterpillars and, after paralyzing them, places them in the cell to become food for the single larva.
5.) When the wasp larva hatches, it begins to feed upon the supplied prey for a few weeks to upwards of a year before pupating. But the prey are alive while they are being eaten.
But wait, there’s more on the potter wasp!
6.) Adults feed only on pollen and nectar.
7.) These solitary critters are non-aggressive and only sting in self-defense, meaning that stings are rare.
Did you know…?
There are over 3,000 identified species of potter wasps and mason wasps.
8.) That being said, a sting carries a sharp pain, redness, localized swelling, and itching.
9.) Further, and more extreme, venom effects can be felt among individuals who are allergic to the venom. These effects can be rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat, breathing difficulties, dizziness, rapid pulse, and fainting.
10.) Seek emergency medical help immediately if any systemic signs of a severe allergic reaction are displayed.
Now a Short Potter Wasp Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
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