A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Definitely another Scoliid wasp, but neither Scolia dubia or S. wahlbergii by range alone. There are a few similar red- and orange-headed species in that part of the world, but I'm not familiar with one with an orange pronotum off the top of my head… This may require checking with a local specialist. There are also a few of these species that aren't in the genus Scolia, to complicate matters a bit.
Wing venation isn't very clear, so Austroscolia ruficeps shouldn't be ruled out. The redder scapes *may* align instead with A. ruficeps based on what few specimens I've seen, but I haven't seen this trait mentioned in any keys to have any confidence in its usefulness.
From these photos, it's going to be hard, if not impossible, to rule out Austroscolia ruficeps. From what specimens I've seen, scape color *may* be useful in separating the two (though I thus far see no mention in the taxonomic keys), but even that isn't visible here. I wouldn't suggest going further than Scoliinae: Scoliini at this distance and resolution.
From these photos, it's going to be hard, if not impossible, to rule out Austroscolia ruficeps. The darker scapes *may* align better with S. vollenhoveni, but I haven't seen this trait mentioned in any keys.
I'm definitely seeing 3 submarginal cells in photo #2, so this can't be a species of Scolia. That should make this Austroscolia ruficeps, which is immensely similar in coloration.
Another possibility is Austroscolia ruficeps. These two aren't readily separated apart from wing venation. From what few specimens I've seen, it's possible that red scapes may suggest A. ruficeps while black scapes may suggest S. vollenhoveni, but I have not seen that trait suggested in keys due to the taxonomic emphasis on wing venation.
I suspect I'm seeing evidence of 3 submarginal cells rather than 2, which would align with the similarly-colored Austroscolia ruficeps.
Nothancyla verreauxi doesn't occur anywhere in the Americas and has rather different facial markings.
Agreed, spot on for the species :-)
Facial markings are faint but just visible enough to see the typical 4 spots on the head typical of C. oculata.
