Noble Scoliid Wasp
Scolia nobilitata
This record describes Scolia nobilitata (species). Recorded family: Scoliidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small scoliid with dark wings and reddish legs; abdomen dark, generally with 4-6 light yellow/orange spots. Overview of Species Subspecies are separated as follows: ( 4 ) ♀ ♂ 1. S. nobilitata nobilitata : wings very smoky, paired spots only on T2-T3 (rarely T1) with variable red markings ♀ -no photo- ♂ 2. S. nobilitata otomita : wings not very smoky, abdomen with T3-6 extensively yellow, T1-2 unmarked ♀ ♂ 3. S. nobilitata tricincta : wings not very smoky, abdominal markings variable but at least T2-T4 with yellow spots. This subspecies can also approach the patterns found in Colpa (Colpa) octomaculata texensis , though typically spots on at least T4 are fused into a band. Typocerus lunulatus may be a mimic. There are also similarly patterned pompilids in the genus Anoplius .
Wikipedia reference for Scolia nobilitata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolia_nobilitata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Scolioidea
- Family
- Scoliidae (Scoliid Wasps)
- Tribe
- Scoliini
- Genus
- Scolia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sandy meadows.
Geographic Range
across so. US ( map ); Ontario
Seasonal Activity
Jun-Sep in NC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Larva feed on grubs (Scarab larvae).
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Scolia nobilitata. 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 Noble Scoliid Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov , KenW , lee_penner , Robert H. Biagi , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Noble Scoliid Wasp
What is Noble Scoliid Wasp?
Noble Scoliid Wasp (Scolia nobilitata) is a species in the family Scoliidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Noble Scoliid Wasp?
10-15 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Noble Scoliid Wasp?
Small scoliid with dark wings and reddish legs; abdomen dark, generally with 4-6 light yellow/orange spots. Overview of Species Subspecies are separated as follows: ( 4 ) ♀ ♂ 1. S. nobilitata nobilitata : wings very smoky, paired spots only on T2-T3 (rarely T1) with variable red markings ♀ -no photo- ♂ 2. S. nobilitata otomita : wings not very smoky, abdomen with T3-6 extensively yellow, T1-2 unmarked ♀ ♂ 3. S. nobilitata tricincta : wings not very smoky, abdominal markings variable but at least T2-T4 with yellow spots. This subspecies can also approach the patterns found in Colpa (Colpa) octomaculata texensis , though typically spots on at least T4 are fused into a band.
Where is Noble Scoliid Wasp found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy meadows. |
| Range | across so. US ( map ); Ontario |
What does Noble Scoliid Wasp eat?
The diet of the Noble Scoliid Wasp includes Larva feed on grubs (Scarab larvae)..
When is Noble Scoliid Wasp active?
Noble Scoliid Wasp: seasonal activity - Jun-Sep in NC.