Dipogon graenicheri atratus
Townes, 1957
A of spider wasp in the Pompilidae, characterized by its dark coloration. Like other Dipogon , it is a forest-dwelling that hunts spiders on tree trunks. The subspecies was described by Townes in 1957 and belongs to a known for -mimicking appearance due to dark wing bands.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dipogon graenicheri atratus: //daɪˈpoʊɡɒn ˈɡræɪnɪkəri əˈtrætəs//
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Habitat
Forest edges and wooded areas, where it hunts on tree trunks.
Diet
Spiders, particularly crab spiders (Thomisidae, especially Xysticus), jumping spiders (Salticidae), and ground spiders (Gnaphosidae).
Behavior
Hunts spider prey on tree trunks. Females rarely visit flowers for nectar and may kill prey specifically to feed themselves rather than solely for offspring provisioning. Carries paralyzed spiders by grasping the at the tip and sideways or backwards. Nests in pre-existing tubular cavities such as abandoned wood-boring tunnels or soft pith in dead plant stems. Constructs nest with partitions made of mud mixed with leaves, insect parts, and other debris.
Ecological Role
of spiders; contributes to spider control in forest .
Similar Taxa
- Dipogon calipterusShares -mimicking wing bands and forest , but D. calipterus has reddish front legs and different geographic distribution.
- Dipogon graenicheri graenicheriNominate ; D. g. atratus distinguished by darker coloration (atratus = blackened).