Phrosinella aldrichi
Allen, 1926
Phrosinella aldrichi is a of satellite in the , Miltogramminae. The species was described by Allen in 1926. Like other miltogrammine flies, it is known to parasitize the nests of solitary . It has been specifically reported as a of the nests of the sand wasp Clitemnestra bipunctata (formerly Ochleroptera bipunctata), where females enter burrows and live that feed on paralyzed stored by the wasp.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phrosinella aldrichi: /fɹoʊˈsaɪnɛlə ˈɔːldɹɪtʃaɪ/
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Diet
The feed on paralyzed stored in the nests of . In the documented case involving Clitemnestra bipunctata, the prey consisted of , , , and that had been paralyzed and cached by the host wasp.
Host Associations
- Clitemnestra bipunctata - female enter burrows and live inside
Life Cycle
Females live directly into nests rather than . This is a characteristic reproductive strategy of the Miltogramminae. The larvae develop by feeding on the paralyzed provisioned by the host , often destroying the host's egg or larvae in the .
Behavior
females actively enter the burrows of to . This is characteristic of satellite , which exploit the food resources gathered by solitary wasps.
Ecological Role
Acts as a (satellite ) of solitary , redirecting resources from the 's reproductive effort to its own offspring. This represents a form of natural on the host .
Similar Taxa
- Phrosinella aurifaciesAlso reported as a of Clitemnestra bipunctata nests; likely similar in biology and associations
- Metopia argyrocephalaAnother satellite reported from the same nests; belongs to the same Miltogramminae with similar parasitic lifestyle
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The Phrosinella belongs to the Miltogramminae, a group of known as 'satellite ' for their habit of following to their nests. This distinguishes them from typical that breed in carrion.
Host Record Context
The record for Clitemnestra bipunctata comes from a study in Cuba that documented 424 records and associated . The nests were excavated burrows in bare soil near vertical banks, containing 1-3 with 6-18 paralyzed prey items each.