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Priocnemis minorata
Photo#70583
Copyright © 2006
edward trammel
pompilid -
Priocnemis minorata
fayetteville, washington County, Arkansas, USA
May 1, 2006
Size: ~15-18mm
Images of this individual:
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Contributed by
edward trammel
on 13 August, 2006 - 7:32pm
HT serrations
I surmise the reason that this subgenus has much more pronounced serrations on the posterior tibia (rather than the less pronounced serrations of the subgenus
Priocnemis
) is that
P. minorata
, at least, starts and digs its own burrow from the ground surface. They use the serrations to move soil out and away from the burrow. Other species of
Priocnemis
(s.g.
Priocnemis
) either build shorter nests and cells from pre-existing cavities or nest in rotted wood, and through time have evolved less distinct serrations due to differences in nesting strategy. Another adaptation to nesting strategy and habitat is found in Pompilines...the presence or absence of a tarsal comb. More reasons why I love Pompilids!
…
Nick Fensler
, 13 August, 2006 - 8:12pm
Spider
That is a Lycosid species. But I can't make out much more. It is not Rabidosa.
…
Herschel Raney
, 13 August, 2006 - 10:17pm