Square-headed Wasps
Crabronini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Crabronidae
- Subfamily: Crabroninae
- Tribe: Crabronini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Crabronini: //krɑːˈbroʊnɪnaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Crabronini is a diverse tribe of square-headed wasps known for their small size, predatory behavior on flies, and unique nesting habits. They contribute to the ecosystem by controlling fly populations.
Physical Characteristics
Mostly small to very small wasps with a square-shaped head. Forewings feature a single submarginal cell, and there are no membranous metanotal and propodeal modifications in most genera.
Identification Tips
Look for the characteristic square-shaped head and the structure of the forewings with a single submarginal cell. Many species are small and can be difficult to identify without close examination.
Habitat
Typically found in areas where they can access their prey, such as open fields, gardens, or wooded regions, often nesting in the ground or in rotting logs.
Distribution
Approximately 160 species in 13 genera are found in local areas, while globally there are around 1,500 species across about 50 genera.
Diet
Prey upon flies, catching them to provision their nests.
Life Cycle
Undergo complete metamorphosis, starting as eggs which hatch into larvae that develop inside the nests.
Reproduction
Reproduction involves mating, followed by nesting behavior where females build simple nests to lay their eggs.
Predators
Natural predators may include birds and other insectivorous animals, but specific predators are not typically documented.
Ecosystem Role
Play a role in controlling fly populations as they prey upon them, thus contributing to ecological balance.
Collecting Methods
- Hand netting
- Trapping
- Ground excavation for nests
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Drying
- Alcohol preservation
Similar Taxa
- Other wasp tribes in the family Crabronidae
- Various genera of solitary wasps
Misconceptions
Often confused with other wasps, but their square-shaped heads and nesting behaviors can help distinguish them.
Tags
- wasps
- Crabronini
- Hymenoptera
- predatory insects