Anoplius toluca

(Cameron, 1893)

Anoplius toluca is a spider wasp in the Pompilidae, first described by Cameron in 1893. As a member of the Anoplius, it belongs to a diverse group of solitary that prey primarily on spiders. The species is recorded from Hawaii, though detailed biological information appears limited in available sources. Like other Anoplius species, it likely exhibits the characteristic hunting of paralyzing spiders with its sting to provision nests for its larvae.

Spider wasp male (Pompilidae, Anoplius toluca) (41787291621) by Insects Unlocked from USA. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anoplius toluca: //əˈnoʊpliəs təˈluːkə//

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Distribution

Recorded from Hawaii, United States. The specific epithet 'toluca' may suggest a connection to Toluca, Mexico, though published distribution records currently confirm only Hawaiian occurrence.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Anoplius toluca was originally described as Pompilus toluca by Cameron in 1893 before being transferred to the Anoplius. The genus Anoplius is one of the most -rich genera in Pompilidae, with numerous species across North America and globally. Many Anoplius species are challenging to distinguish without detailed examination, often requiring microscopic analysis of morphological characters.

Data Limitations

Available sources provide minimal specific information about A. toluca beyond taxonomic placement and distribution. The GBIF record indicates presence in Hawaii, but iNaturalist shows zero observations, suggesting this may be a rarely encountered or under-documented . Biological details such as prey preferences, nesting , and seasonal activity patterns have not been located in the provided sources and should not be inferred from without explicit evidence.