Mexican Grass-carrying Wasp
Isodontia mexicana
They are nicknamed 'window wasps' because they frequently choose the tracks of household storm windows as safe, pre-made cavities for their grass nests.
- Scientific name
- Isodontia mexicana
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hymenoptera › Sphecidae › Isodontia
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Grasslands, meadows, forest edges, residential gardens, and urban parks.
- Diet
- Adults feed on floral nectar; larvae consume paralyzed tree crickets and katydids provided by the mother.
- Range
- North America, Central America, Europe
- Size
- 15-20 mm in length
- Lifespan
- 1 year (adults live 2-4 weeks)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Widespread pesticide use, habitat fragmentation, and manicured landscaping that removes dead hollow stems used for nesting.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and docile. These solitary wasps are non-aggressive and will not sting unless actively trapped or squeezed. Safe to observe closely. If stung, wash the area with soap and water and apply a cold compress; seek medical help only if signs of a severe allergic reaction develop.
Isodontia mexicana , the Grass-carrying wasp , is a species belonging to the family Sphecidae. It is mainly found throughout North America, but has become established in Europe, primarily France, Switzerland, Hungary, Italy and Spain.
Photo: DiegoH, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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