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Smiling mason wasp

Smiling mason wasp

Ancistrocerus campestris

A species of Ancistrocerus

The Ancistrocerus campestris is primarily identified with the angry-looking smiley face on its back. When you aren't getting into a scowling match with their back, you may be admiring the unique nests that these types of insects make. The variety of nests puts them in a group of other wasps known "potter wasps." 

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Smiling mason wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Smiling mason wasp
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Attributes of Smiling mason wasp
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
sand hill
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, fruit juices, insects, sap
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, aphids, beetles, spiders, fly larvae
Biting/stinging
The Smiling mason wasp may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
The Smiling mason wasp is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Smiling mason wasp feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Smiling mason wasp
Egg The egg stage of smiling mason wasp begins with an oval, often microscopic phase. During this period, the embryo develops within the chorion, which offers protection. The egg's color and shape may vary slightly, but it generally remains stationary and inconspicuous to avoid predation.
Larva After hatching, the larval smiling mason wasp appears worm-like, lacking wings and complex eyes. It possesses a voracious appetite, facilitating rapid growth. This stage is marked by several molts, where the insect increases in size and may change in coloration to signal development stages.
Pupal The pupal stage is a transformative phase where smiling mason wasp is encased in a cocoon or chrysalis. The insect is typically immobile and vulnerable during this stage. Its body undergoes significant restructuring, forming adult features. The pupa may darken as it matures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult smiling mason wasp’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction. Coloration patterns are species-specific and aid in mate selection.
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Adult Size of Smiling mason wasp
7 - 11 mm
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Predators of Smiling mason wasp Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, larger wasps
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Predators of Adult Smiling mason wasp
Birds, rodents, spiders, praying mantises, dragonflies, centipedes, frogs, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Smiling mason wasp
Smiling mason wasp meticulously builds its nest with a blend of saliva and mud, showcasing a unique architectural feat in the insect world.
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Scientific Classification of Smiling mason wasp
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Vespids
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Tips for Finding Smiling mason wasp
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How Can You Attract Smiling mason wasp
Sweet substances or meats can be used as bait to attract adult smiling mason wasp as they are known to feed on sugars and other insects.
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Habitat Preferences of Smiling mason wasp Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of smiling mason wasp are typically found in tubular cells within nests made of mud attached to sheltered locations like under eaves, inside barns, or in hollow plant stems. Adult smiling mason wasp are often observed hovering near these nests, gathering mud, or searching for caterpillar and beetle larvae to provision their nests with. In order to observe smiling mason wasp throughout their developmental stages, one should closely inspect the undersides of overhangs on buildings, the interiors of abandoned structures, and undisturbed vegetation where plants present hollow stems, especially during late spring and summer months.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Smiling mason wasp
The best time to find adult smiling mason wasp is during the day, especially mid-morning to afternoon when temperatures are warmer and they are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Smiling mason wasp
Warm, sunny days with little to no wind are ideal conditions for finding smiling mason wasp as they are less active in cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Smiling mason wasp at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of smiling mason wasp are typically found within the nests that are commonly located in pre-existing cavities like hollow stems or small holes in wood. To find them, look for these habitats and inspect for the presence of nests without disturbing the structure.
Pupal Smiling mason wasp pupae are located inside their nests, often within a cocoon spun by the larva. Finding them requires locating the nests, which are usually well hidden and may require careful observation within potential nesting sites like crevices in wood.
Adult Adult smiling mason wasp can be found foraging for food on flowers, or scavenging for building materials. Searching flowering plants, especially those in sunny areas, or observing them as they collect wood fibers for nest building, are effective ways to locate them.
Are Smiling mason wasp harmful?
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The smiling mason wasp can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Smiling mason wasp harmful to humans?

The female wasp has a long thick stinger connected to the poison gland. The main components of the venom are some alkaline substances, including histamine, serotonin, bradykinin, hyaluronidase, etc. When it is stung, it will shoot venom into the skin of the person, but the sting needle is not left in the leather suit. After a person is stung by a wasp, the stinged skin will immediately become red, swollen and painful, even with petechiae and skin necrosis. When the eye is stung, it will cause severe pain, tearing, redness and swelling, and may also cause corneal ulcers. In addition, systemic symptoms include dizziness, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, restlessness, and increased blood pressure. The above symptoms usually disappear within a few hours to several days. In severe cases, drowsiness, systemic edema, oliguria, coma, hemolysis, myocarditis, hepatitis, acute renal failure and shock. Some people allergic to bee venom can manifest as urticaria, anaphylactic shock, etc.
Harmful Effects of Smiling mason wasp
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Animals

The adult smiling mason wasp utilizes fangs to inject a mild venom into its prey or aggressors, which can include humans, pets like dogs and cats, as well as smaller mammals and various spiders and insects. This toxin functions through envenomation upon biting. While the effects on humans are generally not severe, they can cause localized pain or discomfort. Other animal reactions may vary, with smaller creatures possibly experiencing more acute effects due to their size and different physiological responses.

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Does the Smiling mason wasp sting humans?

Smiling mason wasp possesses a stinger but does not typically pose a stinging threat to humans. Stings are mainly defensive when disturbed. Incidents involving humans are rare and usually occur when nests built in hollow stems or other cavities are inadvertently threatened. The species has no unique stinging behavior towards humans, and stinging has little impact on itself.

More Effects of Smiling mason wasp

Beneficial Effects of Smiling mason wasp
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Pollinator
Predators of Pests
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Smiling mason wasp is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While primarily seeking nectar, smiling mason wasp inadvertently collects pollen on its body. As it moves from flower to flower, it transfers pollen, aiding in plant fertilization. This incidental contact ensures the continuation of many plant species.
Predators of Pests
Purpose
Feed Offspring
Diets
Caterpillars
Smiling mason wasp is a solitary wasp that performs an essential role in controlling pest populations. As an adult, it hunts down caterpillars to provision its nests. The captured prey are paralyzed and stored with the wasp's eggs so that the hatching larvae can feed on fresh, live food. This efficient hunting strategy ensures the survival and nourishment of its offspring.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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