Calopompilus pyrrhomelas
(Walker, 1866)
Calopompilus pyrrhomelas is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae, originally described as Pompilus pyrrhomelas by Walker in 1866. It is currently treated as a synonym of Chirodamus pyrrhomelas in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty within the . The species epithet "pyrrhomelas" (from Greek "pyrrhos" = flame-colored, "melas" = black) suggests distinctive coloration. As a pompilid , it belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for hunting spiders to provision their nests.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Calopompilus pyrrhomelas: /ˌkæloʊˈpɒmpɪləs ˌpɪroʊˈmiːlæs/
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Taxonomic Note
This name has complex taxonomic status. Catalogue of Life and GBIF list it as a synonym of Chirodamus pyrrhomelas, while NCBI and iNaturalist maintain it under Calopompilus. The Calopompilus itself has been subject to revision, with some authorities treating it as distinct from Chirodamus and others synonymizing the two. The basionym Pompilus pyrrhomelas Walker, 1866 indicates the original description predates modern generic concepts for this group.
Observation Data
iNaturalist records approximately 300 observations under this name, suggesting the is encountered with moderate frequency by naturalists, though these observations may represent the currently accepted name Chirodamus pyrrhomelas.