Philanthinae
Philanthinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Family: Crabronidae
- Subfamily: Philanthinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Philanthinae: //ˌfaɪlænˈθaɪni//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Philanthinae is a diverse subfamily of digger wasps known for their solitary behavior and distinct hunting practices. They provision their nests with various insects, depending on the genus, and are key players in their ecosystems as predators.
Physical Characteristics
Medium-sized wasps ranging from 12-18 mm, usually black with yellow markings. They have a constriction between the first and second abdominal segments and one apical spur on the middle tibia. The forewing has three submarginal cells.
Identification Tips
Look for black with yellow markings and the distinct constriction between abdominal segments. Identification can also be through the presence of one apical spur on the middle tibia and the wing structure.
Habitat
Nests are typically dug in the ground, commonly in sandy or loose soil areas. They are found in environments where their prey is abundant.
Distribution
Approximately 155 species in 6 genera within California, with around 1143 species in 9 genera globally, predominantly represented by the genus Cerceris.
Diet
Adult females are predatory, hunting down bees, ants, or beetles to provision their nests for larvae. The larvae are carnivorous and feed on the paralyzed prey provided by the mother.
Life Cycle
The life cycle involves solitary females who dig nests, provision them with prey, and lay eggs in the cells. The larvae develop in these cells and feed on the prey after hatching.
Reproduction
Females hunt and provision nests with living prey, laying eggs in the nest cells where larvae will feed on the paralyzed prey. Each genus exhibits distinct prey preferences.
Ecosystem Role
As predatory wasps, they help control the populations of their prey, primarily bees, ants, and beetles, contributing to the ecological balance.
Evolution
The Philanthinae has historically been given family status and is now recognized back as a family within the superfamily Apoidea after various taxonomic revisions.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for other wasp species due to similarities in coloration and nesting habits; many people may not distinguish between different genera or families.
Tags
- Hymenoptera
- wasps
- predatory
- solitary
- entomology
- insects