# 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.

- **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.

## About

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.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/8300962f-ab45-4ed6-a133-74c4c72421c2
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/203340
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isodontia mexicana
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/212929301/medium.jpg (DiegoH, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.