Tachysphex terminatus
(F. Smith, 1856)
Tachysphex terminatus is a small solitary in the Crabronidae, part of a group characterized by specific nesting behaviors in sandy substrates. Females construct individual burrows with multiple , provisioned with paralyzed for larval development. The species occurs in North America and shares the -wide trait of provisioning nests with prey, primarily .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Tachysphex terminatus: //ˌtækɪˈsfɛks tərˈmɪnətəs//
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Identification
Tachysphex are diminutive , averaging 6-10 millimeters in length, with notably high-strung, rapid movement. They can be distinguished from the related Liris by their smaller size and frequently red or partly red terminating in a pointed ; Liris has proportionately longer held parallel and straight from the , and a generally less stocky build. Tachysphex species lack the bright green often seen in Tachytes. Species-level identification within Tachysphex requires examination of male , female pygidium structure, and antennal sensory areas.
Habitat
Sandy soils suitable for burrow excavation; open with weedy vegetation.
Distribution
North America; recorded from Canada and the United States.
Host Associations
- Acrididae - , primarily
- Tettigoniidae - , provisioned by some in
- Gryllidae - , provisioned by some in
- Blattodea - , provisioned by some in
- Mantodea - , provisioned by some in
Life Cycle
Development includes , larval, and pupal stages within provisioned underground burrows. Females construct shallow burrows in sand or soil containing multiple ; each cell receives one to eight or more paralyzed items depending on size, with a single egg laid on the underside of the of the last victim.
Behavior
Females excavate burrows before hunting, then seek which is stung into paralysis, flipped onto its back, grasped by an , and transported by or carried overland back to the nest. Burrows are left open during prey collection. Completed nests are filled loosely with soil particles, dry vegetation fragments, small pebbles, and debris, with the entrance hidden by kicking sand or soil over it. are rarely observed visiting flowers; most activity occurs on the ground in open .
Ecological Role
of and other ; control of . provisioning supports larval development. Subject to by satellite (: Miltogramminae), (), (), and ().