First confirmed record of Epsilon manasicum Girish Kumar & Carpenter, 2014 (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from South India

Vishnu et al 2026
Published: Σεπ 2, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/eh.45555
Keywords:
Eumeninae faunistics Kerala potter wasp range extension Vespidae
Vishnu A. V. Azhakath House
Shadpada Entomology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, 680125, Keralam, India. Affiliated with the University of Calicut, Malappuram, 673635, Keralam, India.
M. K. Hanna
Shadpada Entomology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, 680125, Keralam, India. Affiliated with the University of Calicut, Malappuram, 673635, Keralam,
P. Girish Kumar
Western Ghat Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Jaferkhan Colony, Eranhipalam, Kozhikode, Keralam, India.
C. Bijoy
Shadpada Entomology Research Lab, Department of Zoology, Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda, 680125, Keralam, India. Affiliated with the University of Calicut, Malappuram, 673635, Keralam, India.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5016-0454
E. M. Shaji
Department of Zoology, K.K.T.M Govt. College, Pullut, Thrissur, 680663, Keralam, India. Affiliated with the University of Calicut, Malappuram, 673635, Keralam, India.
Abstract

The potter wasp Epsilon manasicum Girish Kumar & Carpenter, 2014 is recorded for the first time from Kerala and Southern India based on a female specimen collected while visiting flowers of Hamelia patens Jacq. (Rubiaceae) at Vadakkekad, Thrissur District, Kerala. The species was identified through detailed morphological examination using the original description. A diagnosis, remarks distinguishing the species from its closely related congeners, and an updated Indian distribution are provided. This record extends the known distribution of E. manasicum, previously known only from northeastern and eastern India, and highlights the need for further faunal surveys in the Indian subcontinent.

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