Keyhole Wasp
Pachodynerus nasidens
This record describes Pachodynerus nasidens (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Not readily distinguishable from P. pulverulentus , with which it co-occurs in TX & AZ. Separating the two requires comparison of the density of punctation on the second segment of the abdomen ( P. nasidens has punctation throughout the segment, decreasing in density towards the anterior, whereas P. pulverulentus has punctation restricted toward the posterior margin). P. nasidens (left) versus P. pulverulentus (right)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Pachodynerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
so US (AZ, s. TX, s. FL) to South America; introduced in S. Pacific islands
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachodynerus nasidens (Latreille 1812)
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Pachodynerus nasidens. 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 Keyhole Wasp (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann; Additional contributions by Matthias Buck , Mike Quinn , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Keyhole Wasp
What is Keyhole Wasp?
Keyhole Wasp (Pachodynerus nasidens) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Keyhole Wasp?
♀ 7.0-9.0 mm; ♂ 6.0-8.0 mm
How do you identify Keyhole Wasp?
Not readily distinguishable from P. pulverulentus , with which it co-occurs in TX & AZ. Separating the two requires comparison of the density of punctation on the second segment of the abdomen ( P. nasidens has punctation throughout the segment, decreasing in density towards the anterior, whereas P. pulverulentus has punctation restricted toward the posterior margin). P. nasidens (left) versus P. pulverulentus (right)
Where is Keyhole Wasp found?
Range: so US (AZ, s. TX, s. FL) to South America; introduced in S. Pacific islands