Anoplius

Anoplius

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anoplius: /əˈnoʊpliəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Anoplius valdezi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Anoplius (Arachnophroctonus) formosanus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Anoplius (Anoplius) longicornis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Anoplius valdezi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Anoplius (Anoplius) hengchunensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Anoplius (Anoplius) longicornis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Anoplius is a diverse genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, notable for its distinct morphology and ecological role as spider predators. They inhabit a variety of environments primarily in North America, and exhibit varied life cycles depending on the species.

Physical Characteristics

Medium-sized black wasps, often with orange abdominal markings. They range from 12–20 mm, with a few species exceeding 30 mm. Females have noticeable stiff bristles on the last tergite (pygidium).

Identification Tips

Species identification of Anoplius males is often difficult; however, females can be recognized by the stiff bristles on the last tergite and the characteristic wing venation.

Habitat

Eastern species can be found in deciduous forests; generally, they occupy varied habitats across North America.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution, with high diversity in western US; mainly found in North America.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar, while larvae are provisioned with wolf spiders and funnel web spiders. Many species are generalist feeders.

Life Cycle

Life cycle varied; species may have several generations per year starting from late May. Females of A. tenebrosus can overwinter and appear as early as April in the southern range.

Reproduction

Females typically hunt spiders to provision their nesting sites. They are mainly fossorial ground nesters and may use borings in wood and other crevices.

Ecosystem Role

As spider wasps, they are important predators of spiders, thus playing a role in controlling spider populations.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting
  • Trapping
  • Visual searching on forest floors

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Ethanol preservation

Evolution

Anoplius is the largest pompilid genus in North America, consisting of 48 species across 6 recognized subgenera. They evolved from common ancestors shared with other genera in the Pompilidae family.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

The common name 'Blue-black Spider Wasps' is misleading as it can apply to various other Pompilidae genera.

Tags

  • Hymenoptera
  • Spider Wasps
  • Pompilidae
  • Anoplius
  • Insecta