# Fraternal Potter Wasp

*Eumenes fraternus*

The architectural precision of their clay nests is so distinct that it resembles miniature, hand-thrown pottery, complete with a flared lip.

- **Taxonomy:** Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hymenoptera › Vespidae › Eumenes
- **IUCN Red List status:** Least Concern
- **Population trend:** stable
- **Biome:** forest
- **Habitat:** Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, shrublands, and suburban gardens.
- **Diet:** Adults feed on flower nectar; larvae feed on paralyzed caterpillars provided by the mother.
- **Range:** Eastern North America, United States, Southern Canada
- **Size:** 15 - 20 mm
- **Lifespan:** 1 year
- **Active:** diurnal
- **Threats:** Widespread pesticide application, habitat destruction, and loss of natural clay and water sources.
- **Safe to approach?:** Harmless and non-aggressive. Females possess a mild sting but only use it if directly handled or stepped on. Maintain a respectful distance of 1-2 feet to observe their nest-building. If stung, wash the area with soap and water and apply ice; seek medical attention only if you experience an allergic reaction.

## About

Eumenes fraternus is a species of potter wasp in the subfamily Eumeninae of the family Vespidae. It is native to the eastern United States and Canada. The female builds a miniature pot out of mud in which it lays an egg and places a live caterpillar. Its developing larva feeds on this whereas the adult wasp feeds primarily on nectar.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/a78234fe-39fc-4429-83a2-700d89cec874
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/133765
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eumenes fraternus
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/234546341/medium.jpg (Zachary Dankowicz, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

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