Nysson recticornis
Bradley, 1920
Nysson recticornis is a of solitary in the Crabronidae (formerly placed in Bembicidae). It is native to North America, with records from Canada including Alberta. The Nysson comprises kleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other solitary wasps, particularly those in the family Crabronidae. Like other members of its genus, N. recticornis likely targets the prey stores of wasps for its own reproductive success.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Nysson recticornis: //ˈnɪs.ən rɛkˈtɪ.kɔr.nɪs//
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Distribution
North America; recorded from Canada (Alberta).
Host Associations
- Hoplisoides - Nysson are known to parasitize nests of Hoplisoides and other crabronid ; specific records for N. recticornis are not documented but the exhibits this
Behavior
As a member of the Nysson, this is presumed to be kleptoparasitic, locating and exploiting the sealed burrows of . Females likely dig open host nests, destroy the host , and replace it with their own egg, allowing their larva to consume the prey provisioned by the host mother.
Ecological Role
Kleptoparasite of other solitary ; contributes to of wasp and indirectly influences their prey .
Similar Taxa
- Other Nysson species Nysson contains multiple with similar kleptoparasitic and ; identification to species level requires examination of specific diagnostic characters
- Stizoides renicinctusAnother kleptoparasitic crabronid with similar and appearance; distinguished by specific morphological features including abdominal coloration patterns
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Nysson recticornis was originally described by Bradley in 1920. The has undergone taxonomic revision, with Bembicidae now generally treated as a (Bembicinae) within Crabronidae.
Data Limitations
This is poorly documented in the literature. Only two observations are recorded in iNaturalist, and detailed biological information specific to N. recticornis is sparse. Most information presented here is inferred from -level characteristics of Nysson.