Taxonomy
Ancistrocerus nigricornis
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 7-13mm. Males smaller than females
- Primarily black in colour with four, five or six yellow bands on the abdomen
- First yellow band expanded at the sides, particularly so in females
- Yellow and black legs
- Male with a yellow face
- Female with yellow spots on the thorax
- Easily confused with other Ancistrocerus species, particularly A. parietinus and A. gazella. Microscopic examination and the use of specialist keys are necessary for identification
Habitat
Not known in Ireland, as the only site for this species was not sufficiently described. Elsewhere in Europe it can be found in a wide range of habitat types, such as gardens, woodland, coastal areas and parks.
Flight period
The single Irish record is from June. Due to their life cycle, they are likely to be seen outside of the flight periods of other Ancistrocerus species and are possibly on the wing from April until September.
Nesting biology
This species nests solitarily in old woody stems, bored timber, fence posts and bee hotels. Females will create several cells lined with wet clay and deposit several small caterpillars in each one. She then lays an egg in each cell, which will subsequently hatch and the young larvae will consume the caterpillars. Pupation occurs several weeks later and the adult wasp will emerge and overwinter as an adult; the only member of the Ancistrocerus wasps to do so.
Flowers visited
Unknown in Ireland. Elsewhere in Europe it feeds on the flowers of Willows (Salix sp.), Dandelion (Taraxacum sp.), Bramble (Rubus sp.) and Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium).
Native region
Europe, Temperate Asia, Africa
Similar species
- Other Ancistrocerus species, particularly A. gazella and A. parietinus
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
This species is the most poorly-known Ancistrocerus wasp in Ireland, as it has only ever been found at one location in Wicklow over 100 years ago. It would therefore be beneficial to determine whether this species still exists in Ireland. It is possible that it has been overlooked due to its early flight period and similarity to other species. Surveying suitable sites for this species and reporting any findings would be very welcome.
References
Publications
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