ivoorwesp
Lestica alata
The ivoorwesp (Lestica alata) is a distinctive ivory-colored wasp species characterized by its elongated wings and robust build. This specialized predatory wasp plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling populations of specific arthropod prey and contributing to pollination services through its nectar-feeding behavior.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hymenoptera
Family
Crabronidae
Genus
Lestica
ivoorwesp belongs to the family Crabronidae, order Hymenoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The ivoorwesp (Lestica alata) is a distinctive ivory-colored wasp species characterized by its elongated wings and robust build. This specialized predatory wasp plays a crucial role in its ecosystem by controlling populations of specific arthropod prey and contributing to pollination services through its nectar-feeding behavior.
The ivoorwesp (Lestica alata) faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized nesting sites. Agricultural expansion and urban development have eliminated much of its preferred habitat, while climate change is altering the availability of its specific prey species and nesting conditions.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits sandy heathlands, coastal dunes, and open woodland edges with sparse vegetation where it can excavate ground nests. Requires areas with abundant populations of specific beetle larvae that serve as prey for provisioning its underground brood chambers.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The ivoorwesp (Lestica alata) faces severe population declines due to widespread habitat destruction and fragmentation of its specialized nesting sites. Agricultural expansion and urban development have eliminated much of its preferred habitat, while climate change is altering the availability of its specific prey species and nesting conditions.
Agricultural intensification
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Urban development
Climate change impacts on prey availability
Pesticide use affecting prey populations
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). ivoorwesp (Lestica alata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/ivoorwesp