Pemphredonidae
- Pronunciation
- /pem-freh-DON-ih-dee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Pemphredonidae
Definition
A of small, solitary in the order Hymenoptera, commonly known as wasps or, historically, as the pemphredonine wasps. Members are distinguished by their compact bodies, short tongues, and predatory or lifestyle focused on aphids and other small . The family comprises approximately 19 and 556 described , including the widespread genus Pemphredon. Formerly classified as the Pemphredoninae within Crabronidae or , molecular and morphological studies have supported its elevation to family rank.
Etymology
From the type Pemphredon (Greek pemphredon, a kind of or buzzing insect) + Latin -idae, suffix
Example
Pemphredon lethifer, a common European , provisions its nest in hollow plant stems with dozens of paralyzed aphids as food for its developing larvae.
Synonyms
- aphid wasps (common name)
- pemphredonines (historical)
Related Terms
Usage Notes
The elevation of Pemphredonidae from to rank reflects ongoing revisions in hymenopteran ; older literature may still refer to these as pemphredonines within Crabronidae or . The family is sometimes grouped with other -associated wasps, but distinguish Pemphredonidae by their short and specific prey associations. Identification to often requires examination of wing venation and facial sculpturing.