Sapygidae

Definition

A family of solitary kleptoparasitic aculeate wasps (Hymenoptera) that exploit other solitary bees and wasps by laying eggs in the host's provisioned nest cells; the sapygid larva consumes the host's stored pollen or paralyzed prey and typically kills the host egg or larva. Adults are generally black with variable white or yellow markings and resemble certain Tiphiidae or Thynnidae in general form.

Etymology

From Greek sapys (σαπύς), meaning 'rotten' or 'corrupt,' possibly alluding to their parasitic habit of usurping provisions intended for host offspring.

Example

The sapygid Argenosapyga ingens is a cleptoparasite of the alkali bee Nomia melanderi, entering the host's underground nest burrows to oviposit in unsealed cells.

Related Terms

• kleptoparasitism
• Aculeate
• Hymenoptera
• Tiphiidae
• Thynnidae
• cleptoparasite
• solitary wasp
• cuckoo wasp
• Chrysididae

Usage Notes

Sapygidae are obligate kleptoparasites, not predators or parasitoids in the strict sense, because they do not actively hunt live hosts but rather steal stored provisions. They are sometimes called 'cuckoo wasps' in older literature, though this name more properly applies to the unrelated family Chrysididae (which are also kleptoparasitic but structurally distinct, often with metallic coloration). The family's biology remains poorly known compared to better-studied cleptoparasitic groups such as Nomadinae (bees) or Chrysididae.