Sphaeropthalma megagnathos
Schuster, 1958
Sphaeropthalma megagnathos is a of velvet ant in the Mutillidae, described by Schuster in 1958. Like other members of its , it is a wingless female (males have wings) with a robust, -like appearance. The species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, California, and Nevada. As with all velvet ants, females possess a powerful sting and are solitary .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sphaeropthalma megagnathos: /sfɛrəfˈθælmə mɛgəgˈneɪθɒs/
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Distribution
Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Host Associations
- Black and Yellow Mud Dauber - Velvet ants in the Sphaeropthalma have been recorded as of mud dauber nests, including those of Sceliphron caementarium. The female velvet ant enters the nest and lays an on the larva or provisions.
Similar Taxa
- Dasymutilla nigripesAnother velvet ant known to parasitize beewolf ; similar and appearance but different associations.
- Hedychrydium dimidiatumA cuckoo wasp ( Chrysididae) that is also a suspect of beewolves; differs in being a true with metallic coloration and different family affiliation.
More Details
Taxonomic context
The Sphaeropthalma is part of the Mutillidae, commonly known as velvet ants. These are actually , not ants, with wingless females and winged males. The family is characterized by dense, velvety and extremely painful stings in females.