Ancistrocerus trifasciatus
This record describes Ancistrocerus trifasciatus (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This mason wasp has brown tarsi and a black face with yellow dot. There are other very similar species in this genus which means that detailed examination of an actual specimen is generally needed to identify the exact species. A red box around the image indicates that we think it is likely to be this species but can't be 100% certain. Found in a variety of habitats: parks, gardens, wooded areas. A tube dweller, nesting in hollow stems where it provisions its larvae with small moth and beetle larvae. It is parasitised by jewel wasps such as Chrysis ignita , etc. Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Vespidae
- Genus
- Ancistrocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats: parks, gardens, wooded areas.
Seasonal Activity
Summer to autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
A tube dweller, nesting in hollow stems where it provisions its larvae with small moth and beetle larvae. It is parasitised by jewel wasps such as
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent and widespread in England and Wales.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ancistrocerus trifasciatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Ancistrocerus trifasciatus (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ancistrocerus trifasciatus
What is Ancistrocerus trifasciatus?
Ancistrocerus trifasciatus is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
Where is Ancistrocerus trifasciatus found?
Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats: parks, gardens, wooded areas.
When is Ancistrocerus trifasciatus active?
Ancistrocerus trifasciatus: seasonal activity - Summer to autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Ancistrocerus trifasciatus?
A tube dweller, nesting in hollow stems where it provisions its larvae with small moth and beetle larvae. It is parasitised by jewel wasps such as