Delta dimidiatipenne
Species of wasp
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Delta dimidiatipenne is a species of large, red-coloured potter wasp in the genus Delta that exists in the warmer regions of the Palearctic. Like many other potter wasps, it is a provisioning species that hunts caterpillars.
| Delta dimidiatipenne | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Clade: | Pancrustacea |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Vespidae |
| Genus: | Delta |
| Species: | D. dimidiatipenne |
| Binomial name | |
| Delta dimidiatipenne (Saussure, 1852) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
Delta dimidiatipenne has a dull reddish head, with black markings which extend from behind the eyes over the top of its head to the back of the neck. The thorax is mainly black, apart for red patches on the second segment and on the upper parts of the third and last segments. A narrow "waist", typical of this type of solitary wasp is created by the fusing together of the thorax and the first segment of the abdomen. The abdomen is mostly black, except for a red band just beyond the waist. The wings are rusty-coloured with grey-brown tips, and may show a purplish tinge. The antennae normally have black tips. Both sexes are similar, but the male is slightly smaller and slenderer with a yellow blotch on his face. Females measure 20-23 mm in body length whilst males can be a bit shorter at 19-22 mm.[2]
Biology
Potter wasps are so named for their characteristic nest building behaviour. The female constructs a mud nest, often attached to a wall or rocks, by mixing sand or mud with saliva and mould it into a pot-shaped vessel with her mouthparts. The opening has a lip and usually hangs downward. When the mud has dried out and hardened, a single egg is laid inside and suspended from the roof by a thread of silk. The nest is provisioned with several caterpillars, which the larva eats during its development inside the chamber. The adults, like other solitary wasps, feed on nectar, including that of Acacia flowers.[3]
Distribution
Habitat
Delta dimidiatipenne is regarded as a desert species but can be seen in gardens in eastern Arabia.[3]
