Omalus variatus
Omalus variatus is a of cuckoo wasp in the Chrysididae. Like other members of its , it is a kleptoparasite that targets the nests of solitary , particularly -hunting wasps in the family Crabronidae. The species exhibits a distinctive indirect strategy: females oviposit into aphids, which are then captured by wasps and transported to their nests, where the cuckoo wasp larva develops by consuming the host's provisions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Omalus variatus: /ˈoʊmələs ˈvɛəriˌeɪtəs/
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Host Associations
- Pemphredon - kleptoparasiteIndirect via oviposition into prey that is subsequently captured by
Behavior
Females oviposit directly into living aphids. The parasitized must then be captured by an aphid-hunting crabronid (such as Pemphredon) and transported to the 's nest. The cuckoo wasp hatches inside the nest, where the larva kills the host larva and consumes the stored aphid provisions. This indirect nest entry strategy avoids the risks of direct intrusion into host nests.
Ecological Role
Kleptoparasite of solitary ; of -hunting wasps
Similar Taxa
- Pseudomalus auratusBoth are kleptoparasitic cuckoo wasps with similar indirect oviposition strategies involving prey; Pseudomalus auratus is non-native to North America with emerald and ruby coloration, while Omalus variatus is native
- HolopygaRelated sharing the same indirect of ovipositing into aphids for transport by