# Hidalgo Mason Wasp

*Euodynerus hidalgo*

This clever wasp often utilizes pre-existing holes for its nests, including hollow plant stems, abandoned mud-dauber nests, and even unused keyholes.

- **Taxonomy:** Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hymenoptera › Vespidae › Euodynerus
- **IUCN Red List status:** Least Concern
- **Population trend:** stable
- **Biome:** grassland
- **Habitat:** Meadows, fields, forest edges, and suburban gardens
- **Diet:** Adults consume flower nectar; larvae feed on caterpillars provided by the mother
- **Range:** North America, Central America
- **Size:** 12 to 18 mm in length
- **Lifespan:** 1 year (mostly spent as larvae/pupae; adults live 4-6 weeks)
- **Active:** diurnal
- **Threats:** Widespread pesticide use, habitat fragmentation, and removal of natural nesting cavities
- **Safe to approach?:** Generally harmless and non-aggressive. Females can sting if grabbed or stepped on, while males lack stings entirely. Observe safely from a distance of 1-2 feet. If stung, wash the area with soap and water, apply ice to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention if signs of a severe allergic reaction occur.

## About

Euodynerus hidalgo is a species of potter or mason wasp in the family Vespidae.

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/a9a9ae4c-621b-4e10-8d1c-8f9ba9c43c6b
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/300583
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euodynerus hidalgo
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/420878202/medium.jpg (threelark, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

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