Prionyx atratus (Lepeletier) 1845. This species
occurs transcontinentally from southern Canada to northern Mexico
(Krombein 1979). It is quite widespread across the LP, but rare in
the UP.
BIOLOGY: Wasps nest in gravelly or sandy (heavy) soils,
constructing one-celled nests after procuring prey. A single adult
grasshopper is used to provision the cell, with over 20 species of
acridids recorded as prey (Krombein 1979).
COLLECTION DATES: 117 specimens, 10 July to 3 October, with
the majority of specimens taken in August. This coincides with the
appearance of most adult acridids.
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