Pemphredonina

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pemphredonina: //pɛmˌfrɛdoʊˈnaɪnə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Pemphredoninae, or aphid wasps, are solitary wasps known for their specific prey preferences and nesting behaviors, making them significant in pest control.

Physical Characteristics

Pemphredoninae are characterized by having no more than two submarginal cells in their forewing, distinguishing them from related families.

Identification Tips

Look for solitary wasps with two submarginal cells in the forewing. Females dig nests in the ground or plant material.

Habitat

Commonly found in terrestrial environments where they can dig tunnels for nesting.

Distribution

Approximately 50 species in 3 genera in North America; around 190 species in 4 genera worldwide.

Diet

The larvae are carnivorous, feeding on paralyzed living prey provided by the adult females.

Life Cycle

Females hunt for prey to provision their nests; larvae develop within the cells filled with paralyzed prey.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs on paralyzed prey, which serves as a food source for the larvae after hatching.

Ecosystem Role

Pemphredoninae play a role in controlling pest populations by preying on aphids and other insects.

Collecting Methods

• Netting during flight
• Collecting in nests
• Using bait traps

Preservation Methods

• Pin mounting
• Ethanol preservation

Evolution

Formerly classified as part of the subfamily Pemphredoninae, it has undergone taxonomic reclassification based on phylogenetic studies showing polyphyly.

Similar Taxa

• Psenidae
• Ammoplanidae
• Philanthidae

Misconceptions

They are often confused with other wasp families that have different cell structures in their forewings.

Tags

• Hymenoptera
• Wasps
• Aphid Wasps
• Ecosystem Services