Megacampsomeris prismatica is a hairy black wasp about 3/4 in (20 mm) long with a yellow band on each segment of its abdomen. It lives widely across Asia and isn't found in the US. Females of its family (Scoliidae) typically dig into the soil to find scarab beetle grubs, sting them to paralyze them, and lay an egg on each one for their young to eat.
Appearance
- Appearance
- About 3/4 in (20 mm) long. Black with yellowish-brown markings and a coat of pale yellowish hair, thickest on top of the thorax, with a yellow band along the rear edge of each abdominal segment.
Where it lives
- Range
- Asia: China (including Taiwan), Korea, Japan, and Russia, south to India, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Not found in the US.
Life cycle
- Larva
- Females of its family (Scoliidae) typically lay a single egg on a paralyzed scarab grub underground. The larva eats the grub, then spins a cocoon and pupates.
Name and classification
- About the name
- Formerly placed in the genus Campsomeris, as Campsomeris prismatica.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
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