Red and Black mason wasp

Description:

P. erynnis is the only red-marked species of its genus in the U.S., according to a comment in the Matthews/Gonzalez paper cited below. However, the same general colour pattern is shared by various Eumeninae species in Florida (Euodynerus, Parancistrocerus, Stenodynerus). Pachodynerus erynnis can be distinguished easily from these look-alikes by the absence of a red spot behind the eyes. Matthews, Robert W., and Jorge M. Gonzalez 2004.Nesting Biology of Zeta argillaceum (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) in southern Florida, US. Florida Entomologist 87(1): 37-40.

Habitat:

Often nests under siding boards of buildings. Southeastern U.S. Occasionally strays northward as far as southern Ontario. P. erynnis has been documented using empty cells built by Zeta argillaceum, a neotropical species recently introduced to the US in Florida. May also re-use nests of other mud daubers or build its own.