Wall Mason Wasp
Ancistrocerus parietum
This record describes Ancistrocerus parietum (species). Recorded family: Vespidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Females vary from 10 to 13mm, males are slightly smaller and reach a bodily length of 8 to 11mm. Ancistrocerus parietum , A. gazella and A. quadratus are all very similar and hard to separate without detailed examination. The basic colour is black, with yellow bands, and they have a very narrow waist. Usually seen visiting nesting holes, sometimes there a numerous holes in a suitable bank or wall. Nests in any suitable cavity, from small holes in old walls, to holes in tree trunks or soil banks. The prey of this genus is lepidopterous caterpillars. Fairly common and found in England, Wales, south Scotland and Ireland.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Vespoidea
- Family
- Vespidae
- Subfamily
- Eumeninae
- Genus
- Ancistrocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Usually seen visiting nesting holes, sometimes there a numerous holes in a suitable bank or wall.
Seasonal Activity
May to September peaking around July.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Nests in any suitable cavity, from small holes in old walls, to holes in tree trunks or soil banks. The prey of this genus is lepidopterous caterpillars.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly common and found in England, Wales, south Scotland and Ireland.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Ancistrocerus parietum. 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 Wall Mason Wasp (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wall Mason Wasp
What is Wall Mason Wasp?
Wall Mason Wasp (Ancistrocerus parietum) is a species in the family Vespidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Wall Mason Wasp?
of 8 to 11mm.
Where is Wall Mason Wasp found?
Habitat: Usually seen visiting nesting holes, sometimes there a numerous holes in a suitable bank or wall.
When is Wall Mason Wasp active?
Wall Mason Wasp: seasonal activity - May to September peaking around July..
What is the life cycle of a Wall Mason Wasp?
Nests in any suitable cavity, from small holes in old walls, to holes in tree trunks or soil banks. The prey of this genus is lepidopterous caterpillars.