Dipogon graenicheri graenicheri
Banks, 1939
Dipogon graenicheri graenicheri is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1939. As with other members of the Dipogon, it is a of spiders, hunting on tree trunks in forested . The subspecies is part of a group characterized by dark-banded wings that provide -mimicry camouflage.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dipogon graenicheri graenicheri: //daɪˈpoʊɡɒn ˈɡreɪnɪkəri ˈɡreɪnɪkəri//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Habitat
Forest edges and wooded areas; nests in pre-existing tubular cavities such as abandoned tunnels of wood-boring beetles or soft pith in dead or broken plant stems.
Diet
Spiders, particularly crab spiders (Thomisidae, especially Xysticus), jumping spiders (Salticidae), and ground spiders (Gnaphosidae). Females may kill or paralyze prey with venom and sometimes consume prey themselves rather than solely provisioning nests.
Life Cycle
are laid on paralyzed spiders stored in nest . Linear cavities are divided into cells with partitions constructed from mud, leaf particles, insect body parts, and other materials. The female carries nesting material using a "beard" of hairs on her maxillary palps.
Behavior
Females hunt for spider prey on tree trunks and foliage. Males perch on leaves to defend territories and seek females. Both sexes groom and rest on sunlit leaves. Prey is transported by grasping the and dragging the spider sideways or backwards.
Ecological Role
Spider ; contributes to spider in forest .
Similar Taxa
- Dipogon calipterus calipterusOverlapping geographic range; distinguished by subtle differences in color and pattern.
- Other Dipogon speciesSimilar -mimicking wing bands and use; identification to level requires examination of coloration, pattern, and potentially male genitalia.