Sphaeropthalma luiseno

Sphaeropthalma luiseno is a of in the . Like other members of this , it is a wingless female that parasitizes the nests of other wasps. The species is part of a diverse genus of velvet ants found primarily in western North America.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sphaeropthalma luiseno: /sfɛːˌɹɒfˈθælmə luˈisɛnoʊ/

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Ecological Role

in the Sphaeropthalma are of other , particularly ground-nesting . They contribute to of their species.

Similar Taxa

  • Sphaeropthalma rataoskCongeneric with similar wingless female and lifestyle
  • Sphaeropthalma arvakAnother congeneric with comparable size range and western North distribution
  • Dasymutilla nigripesAnother with similar appearance and ecological role; distinguished by different color patterns and associations

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Sources and further reading