Sphaeropthalma edwardsii
(Cresson, 1875)
Sphaeropthalma edwardsii is a velvet ant in the Mutillidae, a group of solitary in which females are wingless and resemble ants. This species is known as a of mud dauber nests, specifically targeting the Black and Yellow Mud Dauber (Sceliphron caementarium). It occurs in western North America from the Pacific Northwest through the southwestern United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sphaeropthalma edwardsii: //ˌsfɛː.roʊpˈθæl.mə ɛdˈwɔrd.zi.aɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
Western North America: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon.
Host Associations
- Sceliphron caementarium - Known of mud dauber nests; females enter nests to lay
Similar Taxa
- Parnopes edwardsiiSimilar name and also a of sand wasps; belongs to Chrysididae (cuckoo wasps) rather than Mutillidae
- Other Sphaeropthalma speciesSame ; identification requires examination of specific morphological characters not detailed in available sources
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Primary Type List | Entomology Research Museum
- Bug Eric: Two Spiny-butts
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Steniolia elegans
- Hymenoptera | Beetles In The Bush | Page 5
- "Rare" Butterfly Feeds on Oak Galls and Other Non-Nectar Sources
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Black & Yellow Mud Dauber