Dipogon calipterus nubifer
(Cresson, 1869)
Dipogon calipterus nubifer is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae, recognized as a valid by Catalogue of Life and GBIF. As part of the Dipogon calipterus , it shares the general of this -mimicking group: females hunt spiders to provision nest in pre-existing cavities, while males perch to defend territories. The subspecies is distinguished from other D. calipterus subspecies by slight differences in color and pattern.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dipogon calipterus nubifer: /dɪˈpoʊɡɒn kæˈlɪptərəs ˈnjuːbɪfər/
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Identification
This is distinguished from D. calipterus calipterus and D. calipterus duplicatus by slight differences in color and pattern. The D. calipterus as a whole can be recognized by its small size (female forewing length 5.7-7.4 mm), dark-banded wings that create an -like appearance, wooded , and reddish front legs. The Dipogon is definitively identified by the "beard" of hairs on the maxillary palps, though this feature is rarely visible on live specimens in the field.
Habitat
Forest edges and wooded areas. The is described as mostly forest-dwelling, with individuals hunting on tree trunks and perching on foliage, flowers, and stems.
Distribution
Southern California to Panama.
Diet
Spiders. Females of the Dipogon are known to attack crab spiders (Thomisidae, especially Xysticus), jumping spiders (Salticidae), ground spiders (Gnaphosidae), and hacklemesh weavers (Amaurobius). Females may kill prey specifically to feed themselves rather than only provisioning nests for offspring.
Life Cycle
Females construct nests in pre-existing tubular cavities such as abandoned tunnels of wood-boring beetles or soft pith in dead or broken plant stems (including sumac). Pre-drilled wood nest blocks for solitary bees may also be used. The linear cavity is divided into : a spider is stored in the bottom cell, an is laid on it, and a partition of mud and other materials is constructed to seal the cell and form the floor of the next cell above. Cell partitions and the closing plug incorporate mud, leaf particles, insect body parts, and even caterpillar .
Behavior
Females hunt for spider prey on tree trunks, sideways or backwards while dragging paralyzed victims by the . Males perch on leaves to defend territories and seek females. Both sexes groom and rest on sunlit leaves. The dark wing bands create an -mimicking appearance that may reduce . Females use the hairy "beard" on their maxillary palps to transport nesting materials.
Ecological Role
of spiders. Nests in pre-existing cavities may provide secondary for other organisms after .
Human Relevance
May use pre-drilled wood nest blocks put out for solitary bees. The has contributed to scientific collections, with specimens used in taxonomic research.
Similar Taxa
- Dipogon calipterus calipterusOverlapping but distinguished by color/pattern differences and geographic separation (Massachusetts to North Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois versus southern California to Panama).
- Dipogon calipterus duplicatusOverlapping but distinguished by color/pattern differences and geographic separation (Georgia and Florida versus southern California to Panama).
- Ants (Formicidae)Dark-banded wings create visual mimicry; may be mistaken for ants due to this protective resemblance, especially given traffic on tree trunks where both occur.
More Details
Taxonomic history
One of three recognized of Dipogon calipterus, segregated based on slight differences in color and pattern. The has been subject to taxonomic revision, with subspecies definitions based on morphological variation across geographic ranges.
Collection significance
Specimens of Dipogon have contributed to scientific discovery, including designations in taxonomic revisions. One collector notes helping discover a spider wasp in the Dipogon through specimens collected in Cincinnati, Ohio parks.