Explanation of Names
From Greek Sphex (σφηξ), the ancient name of a kind of wasp.
Although the name is masculine, Linnaeus treated it as feminine when he first published it, and many other authors followed his example. When searching for a Sphex species name, it's best to try both masculine and feminine endings.
Numbers
Nearctica.com lists 13 species in genus for North America.
Arnett, p. 595, lists 12 spp.
(1)Range
Sphex pensylvanicus and ichneumoneus are found across North America. Species habenus, nudus, and flavovestita are found in the Southeast.
Life Cycle
Prey on katydids,
Tettigoniidae, utilizing one species per wasp species. Nest is built in ground, somewhat gregarious.
Internet References
North Carolina State University Entomology Collection lists, with number pinned:
flavovestitus (5),
habenus (38),
ichneumoneus (86),
nudus (22), pensylvanica (43).
Sphecid Wasps of Michigan lists ichneumoneus and pensylvanicus.
Sphecids of Arkansas, lists flavovestita, habenus, ichneumoneus, pensylvanicus.
Calif. Academy of Sciences:
genus Sphex--gives authors, synonomies.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 16 February, 2004 - 12:32pm
Additional contributions by
Chuck EntzLast updated 29 April, 2008 - 11:17pm
