Taxonomy
Ancistrocerus gazella
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 7-11mm. Males smaller than females
- Primarily black with four, five or six yellow bands on the abdomen
- Female with several yellow spots on the thorax and face, males with a yellow face
- First yellow band of abdomen expanded at the sides, particularly so in females
- Legs yellow and black
- Can be confused with other Ancistrocerus species, notably A. nigricornis and A. parientinus. The use of a microscope and specialist keys is required for identification
Habitat
Records suggest that this species has a preference for areas close to human habitation, like parks, gardens and urban greenspace. Also woodlands, hedgerows and scrub.
Flight period
May-August
Nesting biology
Nests above ground in brickwork, bored timber, bee hotels and other similar locations. Cells are constructed by the female and deposited with small moth caterpillars before a single egg is laid in each cell. The egg will hatch and the young larvae will feed on the caterpillars before pupating and emerging as an adult the following year.
Flowers visited
Both sexes will feed occasionally on flowers such as Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) , Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) or Thistles (Cirsium sp.).
Native region
Europe, North America, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Ancistrocerus parientinus
- Ancistrocerus migricornis
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
Like other solitary wasps, this species has been under-recorded. Surveying suitable habitats and submitting your records of this species to the NBDC would be greatly appreciated.
References
Publications
Stelfox, A. W. (1924). A List of the Hymenoptera Aculeata (Sensu Lato) of Ireland. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. Section B: Biological, Geological, and Chemical Science, 37, 201–vi. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20490329
Nelson, B., Ronayne, C., Nash, R., & O’Connor, J. P. (2001). Additions and Changes to the Irish aculeate Hymenoptera Checklist. The Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 26(12), 453–459. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25536366