Eumeninae

Eumeninae is a diverse subfamily of wasps in the family Vespidae, commonly known as potter wasps or mason wasps. Members are primarily solitary, with females independent in building nests, provisioning them, and rearing their offspring. The group is cosmopolitan and includes many genera and species found in a wide range of habitats from tropical to temperate regions.

Taxonomy and evolution: Eumeninae has long been recognized as a distinct subfamily within Vespidae, though some classifications historically treated it as a separate family (Eumenidae). It comprises numerous genera, including Eumenes, Sceliphron, Delta, and Ancistrocerus, among others. The subfamily is considered one of the more ancestral lineages within vespids, contributing to a broad array of nesting styles and prey preferences.

Biology and behavior: Adults feed on nectar and sometimes pollen, visiting flowers for sustenance. Females construct nests from mud, plant matter, or resin, often forming vase- or pot-shaped structures that may be fixed in natural cavities, under overhangs, or in man-made sites. Nest architecture varies: some nests have single cells, others multiple, and some species use existing cavities lined with materials. Each cell is provisioned with paralyzed prey—typically caterpillars or beetle larvae—before the female lays an egg. The larva then consumes the supplied prey, develops into a pupa, and eventually emerges as an adult. These wasps are solitary, with no worker caste, and parental care is limited to provisioning and guarding the nest during development.

Ecology and significance: Eumeninae play a role as predators of pest insects and as pollinators when adults visit flowers. They can be beneficial in natural and agricultural ecosystems due to their provisioning behavior. They generally do not form large colonies and are not aggressive unless provoked.