Katydid Wasp
Sphex nudus
This record describes Sphex nudus (species). Recorded family: Sphecidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
can be separated from S. flavovestitus by lighter body pubescence and lack of golden pubescence along lateral margins of scutum
Wikipedia reference for Sphex nudus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphex_nudus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Sphecidae (Thread-waisted Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Sphecinae
- Tribe
- Sphecini
- Genus
- Sphex
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US (NY-FL to WI-TX)
Seasonal Activity
Jul-Aug in NC
Diet and Behavior
Life History
nest provisioned with katydids and gryllacridid Camptonotus carolinensis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Sphex nudus Fernald 1903
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Sphex nudus. 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 Katydid Wasp (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Robert Lord Zimlich , v belov , metrioptera , PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Katydid Wasp
What is Katydid Wasp?
Katydid Wasp (Sphex nudus) is a species in the family Sphecidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Katydid Wasp?
20-25 mm
How do you identify Katydid Wasp?
can be separated from S. flavovestitus by lighter body pubescence and lack of golden pubescence along lateral margins of scutum
Where is Katydid Wasp found?
Range: e US (NY-FL to WI-TX)
When is Katydid Wasp active?
Katydid Wasp: seasonal activity - Jul-Aug in NC.
What is the life cycle of a Katydid Wasp?
nest provisioned with katydids and gryllacridid Camptonotus carolinensis