Navajo Paper Wasp
Mischocyttarus navajo
This record describes Mischocyttarus navajo (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A primarily black-and-yellow species with restricted ferruginous markings. This species can be separated from the similar and more variable M. flavitarsis by the combination of its darker wings, consistently black T1, and larger size. Per George Waldren: Formerly a subspecies of Mischocyttarus flavitarsis .... M. navajo is larger, with reduced yellow markings on the thorax, and the wings are very dark brown (as opposed to the yellow-brown wings of M. flavitarsis ). ♀: ♂:
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Polistinae
- Genus
- Mischocyttarus (Long-waisted Paper Wasps)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ-NM; also known from Mexico (Chihuahua & Sonora)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mischocyttarus (Phi) navajo Bequaert, 1933
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Mischocyttarus navajo. 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 Navajo Paper Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by George Waldren; Additional contributions by v belov , KenW , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Navajo Paper Wasp
What is Navajo Paper Wasp?
Navajo Paper Wasp (Mischocyttarus navajo) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Navajo Paper Wasp?
Head width 3.18 - 4.21 mm
How do you identify Navajo Paper Wasp?
A primarily black-and-yellow species with restricted ferruginous markings. This species can be separated from the similar and more variable M. flavitarsis by the combination of its darker wings, consistently black T1, and larger size. Per George Waldren: Formerly a subspecies of Mischocyttarus flavitarsis .... M. navajo is larger, with reduced yellow markings on the thorax, and the wings are very dark brown (as opposed to the yellow-brown wings of M. flavitarsis ). ♀: ♂:
Where is Navajo Paper Wasp found?
Range: AZ-NM; also known from Mexico (Chihuahua & Sonora)