Potter Wasps: Eumenes
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Potter wasps (Eumeninae), the most diverse subfamily of vespids (family Vespidae), receive their name based on their pot shaped mud nests.
Most are solitary wasps, so seeing a mud nest in the yard is not as much a signal of concern for the homeowner as would be the case of the appearance of the nests of other vespids such as the paper wasps and yellowjackets.
While they do sting, they are not considered aggressive. In fact, their predation on local pests such as caterpillars makes them beneficial insects.
The picture shows Eumenes Fraternus, a black and white marked species that inhabits many areas across the United States. From afar, the petiolate abdomen, could lead to the mistaken identification of the species as a thread-waisted wasp.
Picture number two shows Eumenes crucifera, a predominantly western species.
© 2009-2011 Patricia A. Michaels