Dipogon geronimo
Evans, 1974
Dipogon geronimo is a of spider wasp ( Pompilidae) described by Evans in 1974. The Dipogon comprises small, -mimicking that hunt spiders on tree trunks. Members of this genus are rarely observed due to their effective ant mimicry, small size, and forest-dwelling habits. Females provision nest with paralyzed or killed spiders, constructing unique nest partitions from mud mixed with organic debris.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dipogon geronimo: /dɪˈpoʊɡɒn dʒəˈrɒnɪmoʊ/
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Habitat
Forest edges and wooded areas; hunt on tree trunks and among foliage.
Distribution
Eastern North America; specific range details for this are not well documented. The related species Dipogon calipterus calipterus ranges from Massachusetts to North Carolina, Indiana, and Illinois.
Diet
Spiders, particularly crab spiders ( Thomisidae, especially Xysticus), jumping spiders (Salticidae), and ground spiders (Gnaphosidae).
Life Cycle
Females construct nests in pre-existing tubular cavities such as abandoned tunnels of wood-boring beetles or soft pith in dead plant stems. Nests contain linear series of separated by partitions constructed from mud mixed with leaves, insect body parts, or caterpillar . Each cell is provisioned with one or more paralyzed spiders and sealed with an laid upon the prey.
Behavior
-mimicking appearance and movement; slow, deliberate locomotion on tree trunks. Females sometimes kill prey specifically for self-feeding rather than solely for offspring provisioning—a relatively unusual among spider wasps.
Ecological Role
of spiders; contributes to regulation of spider in forest .
Similar Taxa
- Dipogon calipterusSimilar size, -mimicking appearance, and preference; distinguished by wing banding patterns and leg coloration (D. calipterus has reddish front legs).
- Other Dipogon speciesShare -mimicking , wing bands, and tree trunk hunting ; -level identification requires examination of subtle color and pattern differences.