Tachytes intermedius

(Viereck, 1906)

square-headed wasp

Tachytes intermedius is a of square-headed in the Crabronidae, distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Tachytes, it shares the characteristic large green found in many larger species of this group. The species was described by Viereck in 1906. Like other Tachytes, it is a solitary wasp that nests in soil and provisions its burrows with paralyzed .

Tachytes intermedius by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tachytes intermedius: /ˈtæ.kɪ.tiːz ˌɪn.tərˈmiː.di.əs/

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Identification

Members of Tachytes can be distinguished from related such as Liris and Tachysphex by their stockier build and frequently bright green . Tachytes intermedius specifically may require examination of male for definitive identification, as is common for many in this group. The combination of large green eyes, square , and stocky body separates Tachytes from the more slender Liris with longer , and from the smaller Tachysphex which often has red abdominal coloration.

Images

Appearance

As a Tachytes , individuals likely exhibit the -typical large that are often green in color, especially prominent in males. The body is generally stocky in build. The is characteristically square-shaped, giving the to members of this genus. Males possess very large relative to body size. The ocellar scars, reduced to small marks typical of the Larrini tribe, are shaped like golf with long tails running partway down the head.

Habitat

Nests are excavated in soil, with burrow entrances sometimes located just inside the entrances of burrows made by other organisms such as rodents, lizards, or killer . Nesting sites occur in various soil , not exclusively sand. Males perch on stones, leaves, flowers, or twigs while defending territories.

Distribution

Found in Central America and North America. Specific records include the United States, with observational reports from Massachusetts, Colorado, and other regions.

Diet

feed on flower nectar. Females provision nest with paralyzed including (), (), (), or ().

Host Associations

Acrididae - provisioned in nest
Tetrigidae - provisioned in nest
Tettigoniidae - provisioned in nest
Tridactylidae - provisioned in nest

Life Cycle

Females excavate burrows 7 centimeters to nearly one meter in length, reaching depths of 7.5 to 70 centimeters. Several individual are arranged along the main burrow or at the ends of branching tunnels. Each cell receives one to thirteen paralyzed items, with an laid on the last victim. Males emerge before females and initially defend territories near female sites, later shifting to territories around nesting sites.

Behavior

Females hunt , paralyzing victims with their , then straddling the prey and grasping it by the with their to transport it back to the nest. Males employ two mate-finding strategies: early-season defense of territories near female sites, and later defense of territories around nesting sites and nectar resources. Males perch on elevated substrates and scan for females or rivals. When a female is detected, the male pounces on her back, pinning her , and initiates courtship involving antennal waving.

Ecological Role

As a of , this helps regulate of , , and related . may contribute to through nectar feeding. The species serves as for various and including satellite and that attack their nests.

Human Relevance

Generally docile and not aggressive toward humans. Solitary rarely unless handled. May be observed visiting flowers in gardens and natural areas. Sometimes mistaken for more aggressive , leading to unnecessary concern.

Similar Taxa

Tachytes distinctusSimilar member with large green ; may require genital dissection for separation
Liris argentatusAlso in tribe Larrini and active in spring, but more slender with proportionately longer and silvery reflective hairs rather than green
TachysphexRelated in same tribe, but usually smaller with often red or partly red and very pointed

More Details

Nesting biology

Based on studies of Tachytes intermedius specifically (Kurczewski & Kurczewski 1984), this exhibits the typical Tachytes nesting with burrows constructed in soil and provisioned with paralyzed .

Taxonomic note

The was originally described in the , but is now classified in Crabronidae following modern phylogenetic revisions of the superfamily .