Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
classification here follows
(1)Numbers
127 spp. in 11 genera in our area
(2), almost 800 spp. in 18 genera worldwide
(3) • 21 spp. in Canada
(4) • 44 in e. US
(5) • MI list
(6) •
FL list
Overview of our fauna:
Family Sphecidae
Identification
Abdomen long and stalked (petiolate), giving the body a "thread-waisted" appearance; middle tibiae with two apical spurs; body may be all black (sometimes tinged with metallic blue or green), black and red, yellow and black, or white and black. Males have no tarsal rake, 11 flagellomeres, and 7 gastral segments. Females have a tarsal rake, 10 flagellomeres, and 6 gastral segments.
Chalybion (Sceliphrinae) •
Chlorion (Chloriontinae)
Prionyx (Prionicini) •
Isodontia (Sphecini) •
Sphex (Sphecini)
Ammophilinae:
Ammophila •
Eremnophila •
PodaloniaHabitat
Most species nest in the ground, usually in areas with sparse or no vegetation; some build aerial nests of mud; a few nest in hollow stems or abandoned bee burrows in logs • see
(7)Food
Larvae feed on paralyzed arthropods (host varies according to wasp species) provided by adult; common hosts include spiders, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Adults feed on nectar from flowers and extrafloral nectaries, honeydew, and body fluids of their prey.
Life Cycle
most are solitary nesters; some are kleptoparasitic, feeding their larvae with prey caught by other wasps • see
(7)
