Philanthini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Philanthini: //ˈfaɪ.lənˌθaɪ.naɪ//

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Images

Summary

Philanthini, commonly known as beewolves, are predatory wasps that hunt bees, playing a notable role in their ecosystem while also occasionally impacting beekeeping.

Physical Characteristics

Adult females are solitary and predatory, digging tunnels in the ground for nesting. Males are territorial and mark their area with pheromones.

Identification Tips

Look for their distinct behavior of hunting bees and digging tunnels in sandy soil.

Habitat

Typically found in sandy or loose soil where they can dig their nests.

Distribution

32 species in the Philanthini tribe within our area, with around 170 species globally.

Diet

Adults primarily consume nectar from flowers, while larvae are carnivorous, preying on bees.

Life Cycle

Lifecycle involves female digging a tunnel, hunting for prey, and provisioning cells in the burrow.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs on the prey (bees) within the burrow, providing sustenance for the larvae upon hatching.

Ecosystem Role

Predatory role in controlling bee populations.

Economic Impact

Some species, like P. triangulum, can become minor pests for beekeepers due to their predation on honey bees.

Collecting Methods

• Ground nesting techniques
• Observation of foraging behavior

Preservation Methods

• Pinning specimens
• Storing in alcohol

Similar Taxa

• Other apoid wasps
• Crabronid wasps

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for harmful wasps due to their predation on bees, but they primarily feed on nectar as adults.

Tags

• Philanthus
• beewolves
• predatory wasps
• solitary wasps
• pollinators