Black-and-White Mason Wasp
Euodynerus leucomelas
This record describes Euodynerus leucomelas (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
It has a white band on the metanotum and a black scutellum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Euodynerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
All provinces of Candada, northern and western U.S., south to NC, TN in the east and NM, AZ in the west .
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It nests in borings in wood and does not make mud nests on surfaces.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Euodynerus leucomelas. 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 Black-and-White Mason Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Matthias Buck
Frequently Asked Questions About Black-and-White Mason Wasp
What is Black-and-White Mason Wasp?
Black-and-White Mason Wasp (Euodynerus leucomelas) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Black-and-White Mason Wasp?
10-12 mm body length ( Insects of Alberta )
How do you identify Black-and-White Mason Wasp?
It has a white band on the metanotum and a black scutellum
Where is Black-and-White Mason Wasp found?
Range: All provinces of Candada, northern and western U.S., south to NC, TN in the east and NM, AZ in the west .
What is the life cycle of a Black-and-White Mason Wasp?
It nests in borings in wood and does not make mud nests on surfaces.