Sexing wasps in the genus Ammophila (no tarsal rake) - Ammophila - Tonopah Desert, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA May 4, 2015 Size: 20mm
SEX: (male)
The sexual dimorphism in this subfamily is very subtle. Finding the gender in this genus and many related wasp genera may be accomplished with a clear image of the antennae segments or flagellomeres, the abdominal segments and the tarsi of the forelegs.
flagellomeres - male = 11, female = 10
tergites and sternites - male = 7, female = 6
tarsal comb spines on the front forelegs = females only
Here are more things that may help you when sexing your images:
Males do not hunt larvae and they can be found feeding on flowers. They do not dig burrows.
Males are generally going to be about 75% to 95% as long, in overall body length.
Males abdomens are thinner or about 60% as wide and they have more end segments. The last two are short and about the same length.
Males and females might be found sleeping in mixed congregations of both sexes.
Images of this individual: tag all Contributed by Bob Biagi on 1 August, 2015 - 9:47am Last updated 15 March, 2017 - 3:36pm |