ARS | Publication request: A HOST RECORD FOR DASYMUTILLA STEVENSI MICKEL FROM CAPITOL REEF NATIONAL PARK, UTAH

Submitted to: Pan-Pacific Entomologist
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: January 31, 2004
Publication Date: February 15, 2004
Citation: Tepedino, V.J., Pitts, J.P. 2004. A host record for dasymutilla stevensi mickel from capitol reef national park, utah. Pan-Pacific Entomologist. 79:256-257

Interpretive Summary: Many of our native bees nest in large aggregations in the ground. Because of their large numbers in small areas they provide an ample resource for potential enemies such as predators and parasites. In this brief note we identify a wingless parasitic wasp which searches nesting-sites for susceptible immature individuals of a native cactus bee. The parasite (a member of the family Mutillidae) breaks into a cactus bee nest and lays its egg near a cactus bee larva. The egg then hatches and the immature wasp kills and devours the immature cactus bee. This is the first report of the host of this wasp and the first report of the bee being attacked by this enemy.

Technical Abstract: The identity, incidence and biology of natural enemies of native bees provide us with information on the causes and consequences of mortality of these important pollinators. Parasite-host associations are also important in reconstructing the evolutionary history of host and parasite groups. In this brief report we name a previously unknown mutillid wasp parasite of a native, ground-nesting cactus bee which occurs in Capitol Reef National Park.