Parnopes edwardsii

cuckoo wasp

Parnopes edwardsii is a parasitic in the , to western North America. The exhibits metallic -green coloration typical of chrysidid . Females are nest of sand wasps, specifically targeting burrows of species in the Steniolia and related crabronid wasps.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Parnopes edwardsii: /ˈpɑːrnoʊpiːz ˌɛdwərdˈziːaɪ/

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Identification

Distinguished from other by geographic range (west of Rocky Mountains) and association with sand . Members of Parnopes are among the larger wasps. Specific diagnostic features for -level identification require examination of microscopic characters not documented in available sources.

Appearance

Metallic -green coloration. As a member of , likely possesses the heavily sculptured, brilliant metallic characteristic of . The exoskeleton is extremely tough, providing effective armor against the of .

Habitat

Associated with the nesting sites of sand , which typically nest in dry, powdery or sandy soils in arid and semi-arid western North .

Distribution

to North America west of the Rocky Mountains. Range extends across western United States including California and Pacific Northwest states.

Host Associations

Steniolia elegans - nest Documented ; female P. edwardsii lays in host burrow, consumes host larva and stored food
Bembix americana - likely nest Inferred based on -level records for related European Parnopes grandior

Life Cycle

Females locate burrows of solitary sand and within. The hatches and consumes the larva along with any stored food provisions. occurs within the host .

Behavior

Solitary females search for nests. Exhibits cuckoo-like parasitic by exploiting the nesting efforts of other without providing parental care.

Ecological Role

of solitary ; control of sand wasp . Part of the broader wasp that regulates populations of solitary .

Similar Taxa

Parnopes grandiorEuropean with similar biology and appearance; not found in North America
Other ChrysididaeShare metallic coloration and parasitic lifestyle; distinguished by and geographic range

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The Parnopes is one of several genera within that exhibit cuckoo of solitary . The Chrysididae contains over 3000 described , with the group being most diverse in arid regions.

Research History

The was a major research of Richard M. Bohart, founder of the Bohart Museum of at UC Davis, who identified over one million specimens during his career.