Ampulicidae

Shuckard, 1840

cockroach wasps, jewel wasps

Genus Guides

2

, commonly called cockroach wasps, is a small of about 170 of solitary hunting . All known species are specialized of , which they paralyze with precise stings to the and use as living food for their larvae. The family is considered the most primitive group of sphecoid wasps. Many species exhibit -mimicry in appearance, while others display brilliant metallic coloration.

Ampulex canaliculata by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.Ampulex by (c) Sunčana Bradley, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sunčana Bradley. Used under a CC-BY license.Dolichurus by (c) Alan Manson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Manson. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ampulicidae: /æmˈpjuːlɪsɪˌdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Elongated and a pronounced neck-like constriction behind the are distinctive features. The prothorax is long and typically tuberculate with a high collar. are inserted low on the with sockets close to or touching the fronto-clypeal structure. is strongly (stalked). Deep grooves are present on the . Many are -mimetic in form, though some exhibit metallic blue, green, or pink coloration. Forewings have two to three submarginal , two recurrent , and a marginal cell that is apically acuminate and appendiculate. Mid-tibiae bear two spurs, and claws have an inner tooth.

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Habitat

Primarily tropical and subtropical regions, with some extending into temperate zones. Species are associated with forested , particularly areas with dead standing trees and decaying wood where wood cockroaches occur. The Ampulex has been observed running on tree trunks in deciduous forests. Vertical stratification studies indicate some species occupy forest understory layers.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with greatest diversity in tropical regions. The largest , Ampulex (132 ), has global distribution. Trirogma (7 species) occurs in Asia. Dolichurus (50 species) is worldwide. Paradolichurus (4 species) is restricted to the New World. Aphelotoma (8 species) and Riekefella (1 species) are Australian endemics. In North America, two Ampulex species occur: A. canaliculata in the eastern U.S. west to Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas, and A. ferruginea in Florida and Texas. Records exist from Iran, Turkey, Arabian Peninsula, China, Australia, and Estonia.

Diet

are not predatory; larvae feed exclusively on living . Prey includes wood cockroaches of the Parcoblatta in North American forests, and the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) for some tropical .

Life Cycle

Females sting in two precise locations: first in thoracic nerve ganglia to temporarily paralyze the prey, then in the brain to disable the escape reflex. The subdued but living cockroach is led by its to a pre-existing cavity, where an is laid on it. The larva hatches and consumes the living , eventually constructing a cocoon within the host . In Ampulex compressa, the cocoon consists of three capsules: external and middle capsules of structurally distinct silken threads, and an internal capsule of brittle substance without distinguishable threads.

Behavior

Females exhibit highly stereotyped prey handling: after stinging, they often clip the 's with and drink haemolymph before backwards and dragging the prey by its clipped antennae to steer it to a nest site. The cockroach, though capable of walking, does not attempt to flee due to neural manipulation. Some , including Ampulex compressa, have been observed to cache prey in cavities and block entrances with debris.

Ecological Role

Specialized that regulate in forest . Their unique neurobiological manipulation of prey represents a distinctive -prey interaction.

Human Relevance

Ampulex compressa, the emerald cockroach wasp or jewel wasp, has become widely known through scientific documentation and video recordings of its prey manipulation . The has been kept in laboratory and zoo settings. No economic importance as biocontrol agents has been established.

Similar Taxa

  • SphecidaeHistorically included ; distinguished by different wing venation, cocoon structure, and less specialized .
  • CrabronidaeRelated sphecoid with more diverse prey associations; distinguished by different wing venation and cocoon .
  • FormicidaeMany are -mimetic in appearance; distinguished by wing presence in most , petiole structure, and .

Sources and further reading