Florida Entomologist
Published by: Florida Entomological Society

Florida Entomologist 87(1):37-40. 2004
doi: 10.1653/0015-4040(2004)087[0037:NBOZAH]2.0.CO;2
NESTING BIOLOGY OF ZETA ARGILLACEUM (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE: EUMENINAE) IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA, U.S.


University of Georgia, Department of Entomology, Athens, GA 30602, USA
Abstract
Zeta argillaceum (L.), a common neotropical wasp, is established in Florida. The characteristic mud potter-like nests are easily recognized. They prey on geometrid caterpillars. Their nests are reused by various arthropods, forming an ecological web similar to that of other mud dauber wasps. Prey, inquilines, parasites, and scavengers found inside the nests are presented.
Resumen
Zeta argillaceum (L.) es una avispa neotropical muy común y está establecida en Florida. Ellas construyen nidos de barro en forma de vasija, fáciles de reconocer. Sus hospedadores son larvas de geométridos. Sus nidos son reutilizados por varios artrópodos y forman una red ecológica similar al de otras avispas constructoras de nidos de barro. Se presentan en este trabajo los hospedadores, inquilinos, parásitos y carroñeros encontrados dentro de los nidos.
Translation provided by author.
Keywords: Pachodynerus erynnis, Pachodynerus nasidens, Anthrax sp., Melittobia australica, Anthrenus sp., Macrosiagon sp., Chalybion californicum
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Figs. 2-5. 2, Five-celled nest of Zeta argillaceum. Left arrow indicates plug sealing entrance to cell. Right arrow shows open entrance of a cell. Ruler marking are in mm. 3, Caterpillar prey stocked in cell of Z. argillaceum. 4, Egg (arrow) attached with a silk thread to the cell wall; egg is 3 mm long. 5, unidentified spider using cell as shelter.
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Online publication date: 1-Oct-2004.
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