Taxonomy
Argogorytes mystaceus
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
Species Biology
Identification
- Body length: 8-14mm, males smaller than females
- Head black with small yellow facial spots
- Thorax primarily black with yellow collar and yellow spot (scutellum)
- Abdomen also primarily black but with three yellow bands, the first of which is sometimes broken
- Legs reddish
- Easily confused with species such as Ancistrocerus trifasciatus and particularly Nysson spinosus. The use of a microscope and specialist keys will be required to separate it from the latter species in most cases
Habitat
Associated with deciduous woodlands in Ireland, particularly sunny clearings and glades. It can also be found in scrubby areas and has been recorded from sandy heathland. It possibly requires the presence of dry clay banks for nesting.
Flight period
In Ireland, it is stated to fly from June-August. It is likely in flight before this, in May or even April.
Nesting biology
No information on the nesting habits of this species in Ireland is available. In Britain, it constructs solitary burrows in dry clay banks in sunny woodland localities. The female stocks the burrow with froghopper nymphs before laying an egg in each of the cells she has constructed. The egg will hatch and the wasp larvae feed on the deposited froghopper larvae before pupating and emerging as adults the following year.
Flowers visited
Fly Orchid (Ophrys insectifera)*, Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) , Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) and probably various Spurges (Euphorbia sp.) among others.
*The males are reportedly important pollinators of the Fly Orchid.
Native region
Europe, Temperate Asia
Similar species
- Ancistrocerus trifasciatus
- Nysson spinosus (see above)
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2025
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How can you help
This species is under-recorded in Ireland. Surveys conducted in suitable habitats and sending in your sightings 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
Nash, R., Boston, M., & Nelson, B. (1990). The Hymenoptera Aculeata in the Superfamilies Pompiloidea, Vespoidea, Sphecoidea and Apoidea of Murlough National Nature Reserve, Co Down. The Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 23(7), 247–255. http://www.jstor.org/stable/25539495