Hoplisoides nebulosus spilopterus
(Handlirsch, 1888)
Hoplisoides nebulosus spilopterus is a of sand wasp in the Crabronidae. Females construct short burrows in sandy soil to provision with paralyzed treehoppers (Membracidae) as food for their larvae. The subspecies is distinguished by spotted wings and is found in western North America, including Colorado and Alberta. are approximately 8-10 mm in length and are rarely observed on flowers, though they may visit colonies to feed on honeydew.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hoplisoides nebulosus spilopterus: /hɒˈplɪsoʊˌaɪdiːz nɛbˈjuːləsəs spaɪˈlɒptərəs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other by spotted wings and association with sandy . Separated from other Hoplisoides by genitalic characters and geographic distribution. The spilopterus is found in western North America, whereas the nominate subspecies H. n. nebulosus occurs primarily in the eastern United States. May be initially mistaken for mason wasps (Eumenidae) due to similar size and ground-scraping , but differs in wing venation and nest construction.
Appearance
Small solitary , approximately 8-10 mm in length. Wings are spotted, a characteristic feature of the Hoplisoides. Body form typical of sand wasps with relatively short burrowing legs.
Habitat
Sandy soils in vacant lots, disturbed areas, and open ground. Requires loose, sandy substrate suitable for burrow excavation. Often found in areas with nearby vegetation supporting colonies or .
Distribution
Western North America. Documented from Colorado Springs, Colorado and Alberta, Canada. The broader H. nebulosus ranges across North America including Alaska, with spilopterus representing the western .
Seasonality
active in mid-summer. The specimen described was observed on July 10 in Colorado.
Diet
feed on honeydew from colonies. Larvae are provisioned with paralyzed treehoppers ( Membracidae), with 10-15 individuals per depending on prey size.
Host Associations
- Membracidae - and treehoppers are hunted as larval provisions
- Aphidoidea - associated feed on honeydew; catalpa and oak trees with colonies are frequented
Life Cycle
Females dig burrows 10 cm long at 45-70° angles, reaching depths of approximately 6 cm. Burrows terminate in one or several 9-11 mm long and 7-9 mm in diameter. Cells are provisioned with 10-15 paralyzed treehoppers; a single is laid on the final prey item. Females construct multiple nests during their lifetime. Burrow entrances are filled and disguised after completion.
Behavior
Females enter and exit burrows -first, unlike most burrowing that back out. They perform low orientation before departing to hunt. Digging includes investigating multiple sites before selecting one for nest completion. rarely visit flowers but may be found at colonies feeding on honeydew.
Ecological Role
of treehoppers, potentially contributing to of these herbivorous insects. Serves as for various including cuckoo wasps (Elampus viridicyaneus), Nysson , velvet ants (Dasymutilla vesta), and satellite flies (Sarcophagidae: Senotainia trilineata).
Human Relevance
Potential agent for pests. Burrows may be observed in sandy areas such as volleyball courts and sandboxes. Not aggressive toward humans.
Similar Taxa
- Hoplisoides nebulosus nebulosusEastern ; separated by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences
- Eumenidae (mason wasps)Similar size and ground-scraping , but differ in wing venation, nest construction (mud nests vs. burrows), and lack spotted wings
- Bembix spp.Similar burrowing in sand, but provision nests with flies rather than treehoppers and lack spotted wing pattern
More Details
Taxonomic note
The specimen from Colorado Springs was identified as H. nebulosus spilopterus by Matthias Buck (Royal Alberta Museum), distinguishing it from the eastern nominate .
Nesting vulnerability
Minimal time spent on final burrow closure makes nests susceptible to by diverse enemies including cuckoo wasps, kleptoparasitic crabronids, velvet ants, and satellite flies.