Sphaeropthalma mendica
(Blake, 1871)
velvet ant
Sphaeropthalma mendica is a desert-adapted velvet ant ( Mutillidae) native to western North America. It belongs to the S. unicolor -complex, which includes both Mediterranean-adapted and desert-adapted species. Phylogeographic studies indicate that S. mendica diverged from its sister species S. unicolor during the early Pleistocene, with subsequent structuring among desert populations. Like all velvet ants, females are wingless and possess a potent sting, while males are winged.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sphaeropthalma mendica: /sfɛə.roʊpˈθælmə ˈmɛndɪkə/
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Habitat
Desert regions of western North America. The is specifically adapted to arid environments, in contrast to its sister species S. unicolor which occupies Mediterranean-type .
Distribution
Western North America, specifically desert regions. The occurs in arid areas where it shows more -level structuring compared to the more widespread Mediterranean-adapted S. unicolor.
Similar Taxa
- Sphaeropthalma unicolorSister in the same species-complex; S. unicolor occupies Mediterranean while S. mendica is desert-adapted. The two species diverged in the early Pleistocene.
- Sphaeropthalma anguliferaThird member of the S. unicolor -complex; split from the lineage leading to S. unicolor and S. mendica in the late Neogene.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Primary Type List | Entomology Research Museum
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Black & Yellow Mud Dauber
- Bug Eric: August 2011
- Pleistocene connection between the Nearctic Mediterranean and desert regions in the Sphaeropthalma unicolor species‐complex (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)