Tarantula-hawk Wasps and Allies
Pepsini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Pompiloidea
- Family: Pompilidae
- Subfamily: Pepsinae
- Tribe: Pepsini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pepsini: /ˈpɛpsɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Pepsini is a diverse tribe of spider wasps in family Pompilidae, including notable genera like Pepsis and Hemipepsis, with a significant role in hunting spiders and controlling their populations. Approximately 100 species are recognized within this tribe.
Physical Characteristics
Pepsini species are characterized by their distinct wing venation and morphological features that vary across genera. Pepsis has rounded marginal cells, while Hemipepsis displays elongate M1 cells. Other genera have variations in the meeting points of wing veins such as S2 and 1m-cu.
Identification Tips
To identify members of the Pepsini tribe, observe the wing venation patterns and body morphology specific to each genus, particularly noting the characteristics of Pepsis and Hemipepsis for tarantula-hawk wasps.
Habitat
Pepsini members can be found in various habitats where they hunt spiders. They prefer areas that provide abundant spider populations for their hunting activities.
Distribution
Approximately 100 species are distributed across 10 genera, with varying geographic ranges depending on the genus and species.
Diet
Species of the Pepsini tribe primarily hunt spiders. Notable genera include Pepsis and Hemipepsis which target tarantulas, while other genera hunt wolves spiders, fishing spiders, and folding-door spiders.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of Pepsini involves typical insect development stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The specifics of each stage can vary among different genera and species.
Reproduction
Pepsini species reproduce through egg-laying, with the female typically paralyzing a spider and laying her eggs on or within it, utilizing the spider as a food source for the larvae.
Ecosystem Role
Pepsini wasps play a significant role in controlling spider populations, thus contributing to the ecological balance within their habitats.
Collecting Methods
- Netting adults in the field
- Baiting with spiders
- Setting pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Pinning specimens
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying specimens
Similar Taxa
- Pompilini
- Priocnemini
- Deuterageniini
Misconceptions
Some species in the Pepsini tribe are often mistakenly referred to as tarantula hawk wasps, but not all members hunt tarantulas, as many target different types of spiders.
Tags
- spider wasps
- entomology
- hymenoptera
- insecta
- Pompilidae