The Eumenes, or Potter Wasps, Of Florida

Currently there are 8 species and 10 subspecies of Eumenes known in America north of Mexico. Only E. fraternus Say and the nominate subspecies of E. smithii  Saussure occur in Florida. These wasps make the familiar jug-like mud nests (fig. 2) found on buildings, window sills, screens, and shrubs around the home. Members of the family Eumenidae may be identified to genus with the aid of Parker’s (1966) key. The only key for identifying North American species of Eumenes is that of Isley (1917) which is somewhat out of date.