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Potter wasp

Potter wasp

Eumenes fraternus

A species of Eumenes, Also known as A potter wasp

The potter wasp (Eumenes fraternus) has earned its name from its ability to create a small pot made out of the mud. While you make picture it planting a small wasp garden, it instead places a caterpillar inside of this pot alongside its egg so that the larva has something to eat alive. Despite a gruesome start, adults mainly eat nectar.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Does the Potter wasp sting humans?
Human Stinging
General Info About Potter wasp
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Attributes of Potter wasp
Colors
Black
White
Habitat
glade; shrubby area; forest verge; forest; suburban area; agricultural area; grassland
Adult Food Sources
Nectar, honeydew, fruit juices, aphid secretions, insects (occasionally)
Larva Food Source
Caterpillars, beetle larvae, aphids, mosquito larvae, other soft-bodied insects
Biting/stinging
The Potter wasp may bite humans actively. Please stay away from it.
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
The Potter wasp has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Venomous
The Potter wasp can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Potter wasp
Egg A small, elongate egg, the potter wasp begins life with a hard protective outer layer. The size is minute often deposited in clusters or individually in protected environments.
Larva The larva of potter wasp is primarily a feeding stage, exhibiting a worm-like body, lacking wings, and with a voracious appetite to gather energy for the next transformations.
Pupal During the pupal stage, potter wasp undergoes significant changes inside a protective casing. This is a resting phase as the insect reorganizes internally, developing wings and adult body structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult potter 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.
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Adult Size of Potter wasp
1.5 - 2 cm
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Predators of Potter wasp Larvae
Bird species, rodent species, arthropod predators like spiders and centipedes
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Predators of Adult Potter wasp
Birds, bats, spiders, reptiles like lizards
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Interesting Facts About Potter wasp
Potter wasp builds tiny clay pots for their larvae, which they stock with paralyzed spiders for the young to feed on.
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Scientific Classification of Potter wasp
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Family
Vespids
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Genus
Eumenes
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Tips for Finding Potter wasp
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Adult Habitat of Potter wasp
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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Habitat Preferences of Potter wasp Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of potter wasp are deposited within individual clay pots constructed by the female, often attached to twigs or sheltered spots in open woodland areas. Larvae reside within these pots, feasting on provisions left by the mother, typically paralyzed caterpillars. Pupation occurs within the same pots, sealed off from predators and elements. Adults emerge to forage in meadows and gardens, preferring areas plentiful with nectar and potential prey for their offspring. Searching for them entails combing through vegetative areas with visible nests, inspecting the undersides of leaves and branches for pots during the larval stage, or observing flowering plants during adult flying time.
Are Potter wasp harmful?
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The potter 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 Potter 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 Potter wasp
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Toxic to Animals
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Human Stinging
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Toxic to Animals

The toxin from potter wasp is generally mild and is delivered through its sting. This organism typically poses a threat when it perceives a risk to its nest or itself. Humans stung by potter wasp may experience localized pain, swelling, and redness. Domestic animals like dogs and cats may have similar symptoms, while smaller creatures such as birds and bees could potentially face more severe reactions due to their size and physiological differences, possibly leading to increased sensitivity.

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Does the Potter wasp sting humans?

Potter wasp rarely stings humans, and such incidents occur primarily in self-defense or due to threats to their nests. Females possess the stinger, which is a modified egg-laying organ, and can sting repeatedly without physical consequences to themselves. Stings can cause pain and allergic reactions in humans, but potter wasp is not typically aggressive and interactions leading to stings are uncommon.

More Effects of Potter wasp

Beneficial Effects of Potter wasp
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Potter wasp is attracted to flowers by their vivid colors and enticing smells. While primarily seeking pollen for nourishment, potter wasp inadvertently collects pollen on its body. As it moves from flower to flower, it facilitates cross-pollination, playing a crucial role in the reproductive cycle of plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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