Psen
Latreille, 1796
Species Guides
2- Psen erythropoda
- Psen monticola(aphid wasp)
Psen is a of aphid wasps comprising at least 90 described . These solitary are placed in the Crabronidae ( Pemphredoninae, tribe Psenini) and are characterized by their specialized on aphids. The genus was established by Latreille in 1796 and has a primarily Holarctic distribution.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psen: /psɛn/
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Distribution
Holarctic region; recorded from Norway and Sweden in Europe.
Diet
Aphids; females provision nests with paralyzed aphids as food for developing larvae.
Host Associations
- Aphidoidea - preyPrimary prey group; hunt aphids to provision larval .
Behavior
Solitary nesting ; females construct nests in pre-existing cavities or excavated burrows, stock them with paralyzed aphids, and lay on the provisioned prey.
Ecological Role
agent; on aphids contributes to natural suppression of .
Similar Taxa
- PemphredonBoth are aphid wasps in Pemphredoninae with similar ; distinguished by morphological details of wing venation and facial structure.
- PassaloecusAnother aphid wasp in the same tribe; separation requires examination of clypeal shape and propodeal .
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Psen has historically been placed in the Psenidae, but current classifications (Catalogue of Life, NCBI, GBIF) place it in Crabronidae Pemphredoninae. The family Psenidae is now generally treated as a junior synonym or subsumed within Crabronidae.
Species Diversity
With at least 90 described , Psen represents one of the more species-rich of aphid wasps, though many species remain poorly known biologically.