Hoplisoides splendidulus

(Bradley, 1920)

Hoplisoides splendidulus is a solitary sand wasp in the Crabronidae, originally described by Bradley in 1920. Like other members of the Hoplisoides, it is a of treehoppers (Membracidae), provisioning underground burrows with paralyzed prey for its larval offspring. The is part of a diverse genus containing approximately 18 species in North America, with most species distributed in western regions.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hoplisoides splendidulus: //hɒˈplɪsoʊ.aɪdiːz splɛnˈdɪdʒələs//

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Identification

Hoplisoides splendidulus can be distinguished from other Hoplisoides by examination of external genitalia, as species-level identification in this typically requires microscopic analysis. Members of the genus are characterized by spotted wings, a trait that separates them from similar sand wasps in related genera. The genus as a whole comprises small to medium-sized , with females of related species measuring approximately 8-10 mm in length.

Habitat

Sandy soils suitable for burrow excavation, including disturbed ground and vacant lots. The is associated with areas where prey and colonies (for honeydew feeding) occur, including catalpa and oak trees.

Distribution

North America; specifically recorded from British Columbia, Canada. The Hoplisoides is distributed across the entire North American continent including Alaska, with the majority of occurring in western regions.

Diet

feed on honeydew, the sugary of aphids. Larvae are provisioned with paralyzed treehoppers ( Membracidae), including both adult and stages.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Females dig burrows in sand with tunnels descending at angles of 45-70° to depths of approximately 6 cm, terminating in one or several measuring 9-11 mm long by 7-9 mm in diameter. Each cell is provisioned with 10-15 paralyzed treehoppers on average, though this varies with prey size. A single is laid on the final prey item. Multiple nests are constructed by each female during her lifetime.

Behavior

Females enter and exit burrows -first, unlike most burrowing that back out during construction. They perform low orientation before departing to hunt. Nest entrances are filled and disguised after completion. rarely visit flowers but may be found near colonies feeding on honeydew.

Ecological Role

of treehoppers, potentially contributing to of these herbivorous insects. As a solitary , it serves as for various including cuckoo wasps (Elampus viridicyaneus), crabronid wasps in the Nysson, velvet ants (Dasymutilla vesta), and satellite flies (Sarcophagidae: Senotainia trilineata).

Similar Taxa

  • Hoplisoides nebulosusSimilar size, spotted wings, and -hunting ; distinguished by genital and geographic distribution (H. nebulosus occurs mostly in eastern U.S.)
  • Mason wasps (Eumeninae)Similar soil-scraping and splayed wing posture at rest; distinguished by wing venation and absence of spotted wing pattern
  • Other sand wasps (Bembicidae)Similar burrowing habits and prey provisioning; distinguished by wing pattern and prey type (treehoppers vs. flies or other insects)

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Sources and further reading