Pepsinae

tarantula hawks (for some genera)

Tribe Guides

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Pepsinae is a of spider wasps (Pompilidae) comprising 84 across six tribes. The subfamily includes the large tarantula hawks (genera Pepsis and Hemipepsis) as well as many smaller . Members exhibit diverse nesting including use of preexisting cavities, occupation of spider burrows, soil excavation, mud nest construction, and kleptoparasitism. The subfamily is defined by distinctive morphological characters including sternite 2 with a transverse groove, without subapical spine-like setae in grooves, metatibia with uniform spine-like setae not splayed, and fore wing Cu1 simple at its base.

Ageniellini by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.Priocnemis by (c) David Anderson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by David Anderson. Used under a CC-BY license.Priocnemis by (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pepsinae: /ˈpɛpsɪniː/

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Identification

Pepsinae can be distinguished from other Pompilidae by four key characters: sternite 2 bears a distinct transverse groove; mesofemur and metafemur lack subapical spine-like setae set in grooves or pits; metatibia has spine-like setae of uniform length that are not splayed; and fore wing Cu1 is simple at its base without downward deflection (second lacks a 'pocket').

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Habitat

varies widely among and . Some members inhabit mesic open woodlands and forest edges; others occupy diverse terrestrial environments from arid regions to tropical forests. Specific habitat associations include: forest litter for some Priocnemis species; tree trunks for Dipogon; sandy soils for burrowing species; and preexisting cavities in wood or stems for cavity-nesting species.

Distribution

distribution with representatives on all continents except Antarctica. The includes both Nearctic and Palearctic elements, with significant diversity in the Neotropics (including tarantula hawks), Australia, and southern Africa. Specific regional records include: Eastern Temperate Forests of North America; Japan, Russian Far East, and Eastern Siberia; New Guinea; and widespread distribution across Europe and the Americas.

Behavior

Nesting is exceptionally diverse within this : use of preexisting tubular cavities (abandoned tunnels, hollow stems, nest blocks); occupation of immobilized spider burrows; excavation of burrows in soil; construction of mud nests; kleptoparasitism (usurping nests of other ); and behavior. Some amputate spider legs to facilitate transport and nest provisioning. Prey transport methods vary: some drag spiders backward by , others carry prey forward grasping a leg base, and some fly with prey.

Ecological Role

and of spiders. may visit flowers for nectar, though some rarely do so. The contributes to spider across diverse .

Human Relevance

Tarantula hawks (Pepsis and Hemipepsis) are among the largest spider wasps and are notable for their extremely painful stings, though they are not aggressive toward humans. Some smaller may be mistaken for ants due to wing banding patterns.

Similar Taxa

  • CeropalinaeCuckoo spider wasps that usurp nests of other pompilids; distinguished by different wing venation and parasitic lifestyle
  • PompilinaeAnother of Pompilidae; Pepsinae distinguished by the four diagnostic morphological characters, particularly the simple Cu1 and transverse groove on sternite 2

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