Ceropales maculata stretchii

Fox, 1892

Ceropales maculata stretchii is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae, described by Fox in 1892. As a member of the Ceropales, it belongs to a group of known for their kleptoparasitic , laying in spiders already paralyzed by other spider wasps. The subspecies has been recorded from Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, suggesting a European distribution.

Ceropales maculata stretchii by (c) Kylie Etter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kylie Etter. Used under a CC-BY license.

Starr-111018-8786-Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp macrocephalum-habitat with pompilid wasp Ceropales maculata stretchii-Sliding Sands HNP-Maui (24750229539) by Forest and Kim Starr. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Starr-111018-8789-Argyroxiphium sandwicense subsp macrocephalum-habitat with pompilid wasp Ceropales maculata stretchii-Sliding Sands HNP-Maui (24487245914) by Forest and Kim Starr. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceropales maculata stretchii: /sɛˈroʊpəˌliːz mæˈkjuːləˌtæ strɛtʃˈaɪaɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Members of the Ceropales can be distinguished from ichneumon wasps by their : spider wasps possess fewer, longer antennal segments compared to the many short segments of ichneumon wasps. Wing venation also differs, though this requires close examination. Ceropales may serve as models for mimicry by other such as Ceratogastra ornata.

Images

Distribution

Recorded from Belgium (including Flemish and Walloon regions), Denmark, and Norway.

Host Associations

Spiders (paralyzed by other spider wasps) - kleptoparasiteCeropales are known to lay in spiders already captured and paralyzed by other spider wasps, making them kleptoparasites

Behavior

As a member of the Ceropales, this likely exhibits kleptoparasitic , though this has not been specifically documented for C. m. stretchii. The genus is known for exploiting the prey of other spider wasps rather than hunting directly.

Similar Taxa

Ceratogastra ornataSimilar coloration and pattern; Ceropales may serve as models for mimicry by this ichneumon
Poecilopompilus spp.Striking similarities in color and pattern; both are spider wasps that may be confused due to convergent appearance

More Details

Taxonomic note

This was described by Fox in 1892. The Ceropales is part of the spider wasp Pompilidae, a diverse group of solitary hunting .

Data limitations

Only 5 observations recorded on iNaturalist as of source date; detailed biological information specific to this appears sparse in available literature.