Auplopus mellipes variitarsus
Auplopus mellipes variitarsus is a of small spider wasp in the Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive free-standing mud , typically barrel-shaped and approximately 15 millimeters long, to house paralyzed spider prey and a single offspring. The exhibits bright metallic blue-green coloration, with females bearing a diagnostic pygidial plate on the used as a masonry trowel during nest construction. Like other Auplopus, this subspecies is solitary and non-aggressive, feeding on honeydew as while provisioning nests with spiders from diverse families.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Auplopus mellipes variitarsus: //ɔːˈplɒpəs ˈmɛlɪˌpiːz ˌvɛəriˈɪtəːsəs//
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Identification
Distinguished from other Auplopus by subtle morphological features, primarily in male genitalia; females are externally inseparable from . The subspecific epithet 'variitarsus' refers to variable tarsal characteristics. Nests are barrel-shaped mud approximately 15 mm long and 7-10 mm wide, often stacked end-to-end in rows of 2-5, typically constructed inside pre-existing cavities or sheltered . Distinguished from similar mud-nesting Hymenoptera (Osmia mason bees, Eumeninae mason wasps) by -like body form and specific nest architecture.
Habitat
Constructs nests in sheltered microhabitats including cavities in wood, under bark on standing trees, crevices in rock walls, and inside abandoned nests of other (Sceliphron caementarium, Trypoxylon politum, Polistes spp.).
Distribution
North America; distribution within the continent not separately documented from the nominate A. mellipes mellipes, which occurs across the entire continent.
Seasonality
active from May to October, with peak abundance July through September.
Diet
feed on honeydew from colonies on plants including honeyvine milkweed (Ampelamus albidus, Cynanchum leave) and sunflower. Larvae provisioned with paralyzed spiders.
Life Cycle
Female constructs mud , provisions with multiple paralyzed spiders (legs often amputated to facilitate transport), lays single on final victim, and seals cell. Larva hatches, consumes fresh prey, to pupa. Emerging regurgitates liquid to soften mud cap before chewing exit hole. Some may overwinter as pupae.
Behavior
Solitary nesting . Female curls beneath body during nest construction to apply pygidial plate to mud. Hunts spiders opportunistically from at least thirteen , amputating legs of prey to facilitate transport and feed on . seldom visit flowers.
Ecological Role
of spiders, potentially regulating of diverse spider . contribute to honeydew consumption webs. Nests in abandoned structures of other suggest commensal or secondary cavity-nesting relationships.
Human Relevance
Non-aggressive; poses minimal sting risk. Nests may be encountered in human structures but cause no damage. Nests of Auplopus and related provide opportunities for citizen science rearing projects to document - relationships.
Similar Taxa
- Auplopus carbonariusIntroduced Palearctic documented in New York and Michigan; similar size and coloration but distinct species status confirmed by genitalia and geographic origin.
- Auplopus caerulescens subcorticalisCongeneric with similar nesting ; distinguished by subtle morphological features and male genitalia.
- Phanagenia bombycinaLarger in tribe Auplopini, found east of the Rocky Mountains; constructs similar mud barrels, often inside old Trypoxylon nests.
- Osmia (mason bees)Construct similar mud nests but are bees ( Megachilidae) with hairy bodies and pollen-carrying structures; waist and smooth body distinguish Auplopus.
- Eumeninae (potter wasps)Construct mud nests but typically urn-shaped with fluted necks; different (Vespidae) with distinct body proportions and nest architecture.
More Details
Nesting substrate specificity
Frequently utilizes abandoned nests of Sceliphron caementarium (Black and Yellow Mud Dauber), Trypoxylon politum (Pipe Organ Mud Dauber), and paper wasps (Polistes spp.), suggesting ecological dependence on these primary cavity constructors in some .
Prey handling
Documented prey spans thirteen spider : Thomisidae (crab spiders), Salticidae (jumping spiders), Clubionidae (sac spiders), Corinnidae (ground sac spiders), Anyphaenidae (ghost spiders), Miturgidae (longlegged sac spiders), Gnaphosidae (ground spiders), and Pisauridae (nursery web spiders).
Taxonomic status
The Auplopus is in need of taxonomic revision; ten are recognized in North America, but species boundaries and subspecific validity require clarification.