Our insect of the week for November 11, 2024 is the wasp Pelecinus polyturator. [HYMENOPTERA: Pelicinide]. This species was described by Dru Drury (a British entomologist) in 1773. Yes, just a bit before we decided enough was enough with the taxation without representation. Adults of this species are often observed in late summer. This specimen was collected by our member, Gordon Adams, in Peoria County in 1961.

These insects are parasitoids. Females lay their eggs directly into grubs of June beetles (genus Phyllophaga). Since the grubs are buried in soil, they need an extension in their body to deposit the eggs into the grub. Adults typically drink nectar and members of this family are found in North, Central, and South America.

Fun fact – most specimens one observes are females (characterized by their elongated metasoma. In fact, most populations in central Illinois are parthenogenic (meaning the females do not require fertilization in order to produce viable offspring).