Anoplius apiculatus

(Smith, 1855)

spider wasp

Anoplius apiculatus is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae. It is a solitary that preys on spiders, specifically known to hunt the Beach Wolf Spider (Arctosa littoralis). The species is part of the diverse Anoplius, which contains numerous spider wasp species across North America. Like other members of its genus, females dig burrows and provision them with paralyzed spiders as food for their developing larvae.

Anoplius apiculatus by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.Anoplius apiculatus by (c) Owen Strickland, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Owen Strickland. Used under a CC-BY license.Spider wasp female (Pompilidae, Anoplius apiculatus) (40079170045) by Insects Unlocked from USA. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anoplius apiculatus: //əˈnoʊpliəs əˌpɪkjʊˈleɪtəs//

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

Images

Diet

Preys on spiders. Documented : Beach Wolf Spider (Arctosa littoralis), a lycosid wolf spider found in sandy .

Host Associations

Behavior

Females dig burrows and provision them with paralyzed spiders. The stings the spider to induce paralysis, then transports it to a burrow where an is laid on the victim.

Ecological Role

of spiders; contributes to control of wolf spiders in sandy coastal and inland .

Similar Taxa

  • Anoplius atroxSimilar black coloration and body form; both are spider wasps in the same that can be confused by non-entomologists
  • Anoplius aethiopsLarge black spider wasp with similar general appearance; requires microscopic examination for definitive separation
  • Anoplius semicinctusBlack body with red/orange markings on ; similar color pattern and size range

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Catalogue of Life lists this as a synonym, while GBIF and NCBI recognize it as accepted. Taxonomic status may require verification.

Tags

Sources and further reading