Nyssonini
Latreille, 1804
Nyssonini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic within the Bembicinae, Crabronidae. Members are characterized by distinctive and heavily sculptured body surfaces. The tribe comprises approximately 238 across 18 with worldwide distribution. As , they exploit the nests of other wasps rather than constructing their own.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nyssonini: //nɪˈsəʊnɪniː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other Bembicinae by the second submarginal of the . The combination of strongly sculptured and mesosoma, sharp propodeal projections, and spiny hind separates most Nyssonini from non-cleptoparasitic relatives. These sculpturing features reflect the cleptoparasitic lifestyle, as body construction aids in nest intrusion.
Images
Distribution
Worldwide distribution across multiple continents.
Behavior
Cleptoparasitic: females enter nests of (primarily other Crabronidae) to . consume host provisions rather than being directly provisioned by parents. No nest construction by females.
Ecological Role
Acts as within sand , potentially regulating and influencing nesting success of host .
Similar Taxa
- Other Bembicinae tribes (non-cleptoparasitic)Non-cleptoparasitic bembicines lack the second submarginal and typically show reduced body sculpturing; they construct and provision their own nests rather than exploiting those of other .
More Details
Classification history
Authored by Latreille in 1804. NCBI groups this tribe under '' due to phylogenetic proximity within , though members are (Crabronidae).