Argogorytes

Ashmead, 1899

Species Guides

Argogorytes nigrifrons

Argogorytes is a of solitary in the Crabronidae (formerly Bembicidae), comprising 31 described . The genus has a distribution, occurring on all continents except tropical Africa and Antarctica. Members are part of the sand wasp , though specific ecological details for most species remain poorly documented.

Argogorytes by (c) Barry Walter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Barry Walter. Used under a CC-BY license.

Argogorytes nigrifrons by (c) skitterbug, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by skitterbug. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argogorytes: //ˌɑːrɡoʊˈɡɔːrɪtiːz//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Argogorytes can be distinguished from related gorytine by subtle morphological characters of the and wing venation. The genus is placed in the subtribe Exeirina based on genitalic and larval provisioning characters. Definitive identification to species level typically requires examination of male genitalia and microscopic features.

Images

Distribution

distribution with records from North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Absent from tropical Africa and Antarctica. GBIF distribution records confirm presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Similar Taxa

GorytesSimilar and shared subtribe Exeirina; distinguished by clypeal structure and wing venation patterns
HarpactusOverlapping distribution and general habitus; Argogorytes differs in pronotal and propodeal sculpturing

More Details

Taxonomic history

Argogorytes was originally described by Ashmead in 1899. The was historically classified in Bembicidae (or Nyssonidae), but modern treatments place it in Crabronidae Bembicinae following phylogenetic revisions of .

Collection holdings

The UCR Entomology Research Museum holds determined specimens of at least two : Argogorytes nigrifrons and Argogorytes sapellonis, among an extensive curated collection of Bembicidae representing 44 of 84 global .