Nysson subtilis

W. Fox, 1896

Nysson subtilis is a of solitary in the Crabronidae, Bembicinae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada including Nova Scotia. The species is a () that targets nests of other ground-nesting crabronid wasps, particularly those in the Hoplisoides. It can be distinguished from by its entirely black .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nysson subtilis: /ˈnɪs.sɔn sʌbˈtɪ.lɪs/

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Identification

The entirely black (/ region) distinguishes Nysson subtilis from other in the Nysson, which typically show pale or patterned markings in this area. As with other Nysson species, it has the characteristic and body proportions of the genus, including relatively short, broad with reduced and a somewhat humpbacked thoracic profile.

Habitat

Sandy or loose soil where (Hoplisoides ) construct their burrows. These environments include sand prairies, disturbed sandy areas, and other open ground suitable for excavation by ground-nesting wasps.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Canada (Nova Scotia, CA) and presumably more broadly distributed across the continent given the range of its known .

Host Associations

  • Hoplisoides - Nysson are known of Hoplisoides nests. The female enters the burrow and lays an in the provisioned with paralyzed ; the Nysson consumes the host larva and its food stores.

Behavior

As a , females locate burrows and enter to in provisioned by the host . They do not construct their own nests or capture . Males may areas with host activity searching for females.

Ecological Role

that regulates of ground-nesting crabronid . By parasitizing nests, it influences the reproductive success of its hosts and contributes to the complex dynamics of solitary wasp in sandy .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Nysson speciesMost have pale or marked rather than the entirely black front of N. subtilis. Many also differ in distribution and associations.
  • Hoplisoides species are similar in size and general appearance but construct their own burrows and provision with paralyzed rather than acting as . Hoplisoides have different patterns and facial markings.

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