Sphecidae

Definition

A family of solitary wasps in the order Hymenoptera, suborder Apocrita, characterized by a distinct thread-waisted petiole and predatory habits. Members include sand wasps, mud daubers, and digger wasps that typically hunt spiders or other insects to provision subterranean or constructed nests for their larvae. Historically treated as a broad grouping, the family has undergone repeated taxonomic revision, with many lineages now placed in Crabronidae; remaining Sphecidae sensu stricto includes genera such as Sphex, Ammophila, and Sceliphron.

Etymology

From the type genus Sphex (Greek sphex, 'wasp') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The great golden digger wasp, Sphex ichneumoneus, is a classic Sphecidae that excavates burrows in sandy soil and paralyzes katydids to stock its nest cells.

Synonyms

• thread-waisted wasps (informal)

Related Terms

• Crabronidae
• Apoidea
• Hymenoptera
• petiole
• solitary wasp
• mud dauber
• digger wasp
• Sphex
• Ammophila

Usage Notes

Usage of 'Sphecidae' has narrowed considerably following molecular phylogenetic studies; many taxa formerly included here are now classified in Crabronidae. The term remains valid for the reduced clade containing Sphex and close relatives. Contrast with Vespidae (social wasps) and Pompilidae (spider wasps, sometimes confused due to similar habits).