Nysson lateralis

Packard, 1867

Nysson lateralis is a of solitary in the Crabronidae, distributed across North America. It belongs to the Bembicinae and tribe Nyssonini, a group that includes kleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other crabronid wasps. The species was described by Packard in 1867. Like other members of the Nysson, it is presumed to be a nest , though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nysson lateralis: /ˈnɪs.ɔn læˈtɛr.ə.lɪs/

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Distribution

North America; recorded from Canada (Alberta) and the United States.

Host Associations

Hoplisoides - kleptoparasiteNysson are known to parasitize nests of Hoplisoides and related crabronid ; specific records for N. lateralis are not documented but inferred from -level .

Behavior

Members of the Nysson are kleptoparasites that locate and enter the burrows of to lay on stored prey. The larva consumes the host's provisions. Whether N. lateralis exhibits specific such as host-following or nest-disguise tactics has not been documented.

Ecological Role

As a kleptoparasite, contributes to of and participates in dynamics within sandy, open where host wasps nest.

Similar Taxa

Other Nysson speciesSimilar size and coloration; identification to level requires examination of male genitalia and other subtle morphological characters.
Non-parasitic BembicinaeMay be confused with free-living sand wasps in the field, but Nysson lacks the prey-carrying adaptations and nest-building of non-parasitic relatives.