''Synoeca ilheensis'' is a species of wasp in the genus ''

Synoeca ''Synoeca'' is a genus of eusocial paper wasps found in the tropical forests of the Americas. Commonly known as warrior wasps or drumming wasps, they are known for their aggressive behavior, a threat display consisting of multiple insects guardin ...

''. It is found within the Atlantic Forest

lowlands Upland and lowland are conditional descriptions of a plain based on elevation above sea level. In studies of the ecology of freshwater rivers, habitats are classified as upland or lowland. Definitions Upland and lowland are portions of a ...

in South America. Members of this species are more aggressive and will warn invaders by producing a rhythm with their wings that resembles soldiers marching. ''Synoeca ilheensis'' was publicly announced on August 3, 2017. ''Synoeca ilheensis'' is similar to ''

Synoeca septentrionalis ''Synoeca septentrionalis'' is one of five species of wasps in the genus '' Synoeca''. It is a swarm-founding wasp that is also eusocial, exhibiting complicated nest structure and defense mechanisms and a colony cycle including a pre-emergence ph ...

'' and ''

Synoeca surinama ''Synoeca surinama'' is a Neotropical swarm-founding wasp of the tribe Epiponini. It is known for its metallic blue and black appearance and painful sting. ''S. surinama'' builds nests on tree trunks and can be found in tropical climates of Sout ...

''.

Discovery

Rodolpho S.T. Menezes noted that he found specimens of ''Synoeca septentrionalis'' in the Atlantic Forest. He also stated they could be a separate species. In 2017, Mendes and Rogério Botion Lopes studied the specimens and determined them to be a separate species. The main defining traits are the coloration, jaw, and abdomen.

References

Vespidae Hymenoptera of South America Insects described in 2017 {{Vespidae-stub