The genus Gymnomerus is a monotypic group of Palearctic potter wasps, consisting solely of the species Gymnomerus laevipes, commonly known as the Box-headed Mason Wasp.
| Gymnomerus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Vespidae |
| Genus: | Gymnomerus Blüthgen, 1938[1] |
| Species: | G. laevipes
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gymnomerus laevipes (Shuckard, 1837)
| |
| Synonyms | |
Gymnomerus laevipes is distinguished by its black and yellow striped pattern, often resembling other wasp species, making precise identification necessary.[2][3] This species primarily inhabits the Palearctic region, with populations extending from southern England to areas as far north as Nottinghamshire. Its preferred habitats include open areas like brownfields and woodlands.[4][5]
Gymnomerus laevipes is known for its unique nesting behavior, creating 4 to 12 tubular cells inside hollow plant stems like bramble, burdock, elder, and thistles. These cells are separated by clay partitions, showcasing the wasp's resourcefulness in using natural materials for nest construction.
References
edit- ^ a b James Michael Carpenter (1986). "A Synonymic Generic Checklist of the Eumeninae (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)". Psyche: A Journal of Entomology. 93 (1–2): 61–90. doi:10.1155/1986/12489.
- ^ "Gymnomerus laevipes | NatureSpot". NatureSpot. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Gymnomerus laevipes | BWARS". BWARS. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Gymnomerus laevipes (Box-headed Mason Wasp)". Flickr. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ "Box-headed Mason Wasp | Gedling Conservation Trust, Nottingham". Gedling Conservation Trust. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- Vecht, J.v.d. & J.M. Carpenter. 1990. A Catalogue of the genera of the Vespidae (Hymenoptera). Zoologische Verhandelingen 260: 3 - 62.