Astata occidentalis

Cresson, 1881

Astata occidentalis is a predatory in the Crabronidae, first described by Cresson in 1881. The occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of the Astata, it hunts stink bugs (family Pentatomidae) to provision nests for its offspring. Research indicates that female wasps are attracted to produced by stink bugs, including of Thyanta pallidovirens, suggesting a specialized -prey relationship.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Astata occidentalis: /æˈstæ.tə ˌɒk.sɪˈdɛn.tə.lɪs/

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Distribution

Central America and North America.

Diet

Stink bugs ( Pentatomidae). Females have been observed to be attracted to of Thyanta pallidovirens, and evidence suggests the ester components shared among may allow targeting of multiple stink bug .

Behavior

Hunts stink bugs to provision nests for offspring. Female are attracted to , indicating a specialized foraging strategy that uses chemical cues to locate prey.

Ecological Role

of stink bugs; may contribute to of .

Human Relevance

Potential agent for pests due to its specialized on Pentatomidae.

Similar Taxa

Astata unicolorBoth are North American Astata that hunt stink bugs, but A. unicolor has been documented specifically targeting the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) in Oregon and is known to nest in hard-packed soil.

More Details

Chemical ecology

Research on A. occidentalis has demonstrated that female are captured in traps baited with of the Thyanta pallidovirens. The commonality of ester components in stink bug pheromones across suggests this wasp may have a broadly effective chemical foraging strategy for locating pentatomid prey.