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American pelecinid

American pelecinid

Pelecinus polyturator

A species of Pelecinus, Also known as Pelecinid wasp

The american pelecinid (Pelecinus polyturator) is a pitch-black wasp with a hook tail that makes it stick out in the insect world. Their diet consists of nectar, which is purely harmless. They also don't have a stinger that hurts humans. Instead, their focus is laying their eggs directly into the grubs of June beetles buried in the ground.

General Info About American pelecinid
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Attributes of American pelecinid
Colors
Black
Yellow
Habitat
crop field; wood; suburban garden
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, pollen from flowers
Larva Food Source
Larvae of june bugs, larvae of other scarabaeidae beetles
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
The American pelecinid 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
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
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Appearance of American pelecinid
Pelecinus polyturator is a large (up to 7 cm) glossy black wasp. Their antennae are long and the females have an elongated, cylindrical, articulated metasoma.
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How to Identify American pelecinid?

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Life Cycle of American pelecinid
Egg The egg of the american pelecinid is typically oval and minute, deposited in clusters. Initially, it’s hard to discern with the unaided eye and undergoes no change in shape or size before hatching.
Larva The larva of the american pelecinid emerges as a legged, often worm-like form. Its primary focus is feeding, resulting in significant growth. The larva molts several times, increasing in size and sometimes changing color.
Pupal Entering the pupa stage, the american pelecinid turns into an immobile pupil case. Here, transformation occurs internally, remodeling the creature's structure. The pupa may darken over time as development nears completion.
Adult Emerging as an adult, the american pelecinid boasts defined wings and reproductive organs. It exhibits hardened exoskeleton and distinct coloration. The adult american pelecinid is now fully mobile, prioritizing mating and propagation.
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Adult Size of American pelecinid
Male 1.2 - 1.5 cm, female 4.5 - 5 cm
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Predators of American pelecinid Larvae
Ants, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult American pelecinid
Birds, rodents, praying mantises, spiders, larger insects
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Interesting Facts About American pelecinid
American pelecinid has a unique reproductive strategy where females can lay fertilized or unfertilized eggs, determining the offspring's sex.
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Scientific Classification of American pelecinid
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding American pelecinid
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How Can You Attract American pelecinid
It is generally not applicable to use trap food for american pelecinid, as they are parasitoids and do not feed in the same manner as other insects that may be attracted to bait.
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Habitat Preferences of American pelecinid Through Different Life Stages
The adult american pelecinid is typically found hovering in open, sunny areas such as meadows, fields, and gardens where they search for mates and lay eggs. Larvae reside in the soil feeding on larvae of other insects, commonly June beetle grubs. Pupae also develop underground, completing their metamorphosis before emerging as adults. To search for these stages, one would explore open areas for adults, dig into soil especially in grassy regions to locate larvae, and carefully sift through the soil at an appropriate depth to find pupae.
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When is the Best Time to Observe American pelecinid
The best time to find adult american pelecinid would typically be during the warmer months when they are most active, seeking out hosts to lay their eggs.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe American pelecinid
Adult american pelecinid are best sought after on calm, warm, and sunny days when they are most likely to be active and engaged in their search for hosts.
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How and Where Can You Find American pelecinid at Different Life Stages
Larva During this stage, american pelecinid is parasitic. Finding it involves locating the host insect larva within which the american pelecinid larva resides. This requires knowledge of the host species and their habitat.
Pupal American pelecinid pupae might be typically found in the soil or leaf litter where the larva has dropped after finishing feeding on the host. Gently sifting through soil and debris in the suspected areas can help in finding them.
Adult American pelecinid adults can often be found in environments rich in the host larvae they parasitize. Searching for adults involves looking around the habitats where these hosts are known to be, such as gardens, meadows, or fields. Observing flowers or sunny patches of vegetation may also yield sightings as adults may be resting or seeking mates.
Are American pelecinid harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of American pelecinid
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Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitoids of Pests
Parasitic Special Type
Specific Parasitism
Host Type
Beetles
Host Stage
Larvae
American pelecinid engages in an intriguing form of endoparasitism, where the female uses her long abdomen to deposit eggs directly into soil-dwelling beetle larvae. This adaptation ensures that the parasitoid's offspring have a secure and nutrient-rich environment during their development, while simultaneously controlling pest populations.
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