Taxonomy

Nysson spinosus | Large Spurred Digger Wasp

Distribution

Status

Conservation status

Not Assessed

Species Biology

Identification

  • Body length: 7-12mm
  • Head black, thorax primarily black with yellow collar
  • Abdomen black with three yellow bands, the first usually broken in the center
  • Legs with a reddish tinge
  • The posterior sides of the thorax with a small 'spine'
  • Could be confused with other species, such as Ancistrocerus trifasciatus but particularly Argogorytes mystaceus. The use of a microscope and specialist keys will be required to separate it from the latter species in most cases

Habitat

Not well known in Ireland, although it occupies the same habitat as its host species, Argogorytes mystaceus. This includes woodland clearings, sunny glades and scrubby areas. 

Flight period

Univoltine flying from May-July, peaking in June.

Nesting biology

A kleptoparasite, using another digger wasp Argogorytes mystaceus as its host. The female N. spinosus will enter the burrow of its host and lay a single egg in the nest cells. The egg will hatch and the young larvae will consume the egg of the host species before feeding on the froghopper nymphs deposited by the female A. mystaceus. The larvae will then pupate and emerge as an adult the following year.

Flowers visited

This species has not been observed on flowers in Ireland, but is known to visit a wide variety abroad.

Native region

Europe, Temperate Asia

Similar species

  • Argogorytes mystaceus (see above)
  • Ancistrocerus trifasciatus

Distribution

World distribution(GBIF)

Temporal change

Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024

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How can you help

This species is under-recorded in Ireland and most of the records are  decades old. Surveying suitable sites for this species (particularly those occupied by its host) and sending in your records to the NBDC will 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 Science37, 201–vi. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20490329

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