Oxybelus cressonii

C. Robertson, 1889

square-headed wasp

Oxybelus cressonii is a of square-headed wasp in the Crabronidae, described by C. Robertson in 1889. It belongs to a of predatory that specialize in hunting flies. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other Oxybelus species, it is a solitary wasp that provisions its nest with paralyzed prey.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Oxybelus cressonii: /ˌɒksɪˈbiːləs ˌkrɛsˈoʊnaɪ/

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Distribution

North America; specifically recorded in Canada (Ontario) and the United States.

Diet

Preys on flies (Diptera), based on documented of the Oxybelus as fly hunters.

Behavior

Males have been observed establishing territories around nectar sources such as flowering trees, defending these areas from other males to intercept females seeking nectar.

Ecological Role

of flies; contributes to regulation of dipteran .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Oxybelus speciesSimilar square-headed and fly-hunting ; specific identification requires examination of structural details not reliably distinguishable from external sources.

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