Crabroninae

How to pronounce Crabroninae: /ˌkræbrəˈnaɪni/

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The subfamily Crabroninae is a diverse group of solitary, predatory wasps known for their varied nesting behaviors and predation on other insects.

Body length 6-20 mm; adults commonly found on flowers.

Square-headed appearance; noticeable predatory behavior and nesting habits.

Nests are found in hollow stems, abandoned galleries in wood, or burrows in the ground.

~520 species in 31 genera in the local area; ~4,660 species in over 100 genera worldwide.

Adults primarily feed on nectar from flowers; larvae are carnivorous, feeding on paralyzed prey provided by females.

Females hunt for prey to lay eggs on, supplying larvae with paralyzed, living prey.

Solitary reproductive habits; females create nests or use existing structures for laying eggs.

Predatory wasps that help control insect populations.