Aporus luxus

(Banks, 1914)

Aporus luxus is a small in the , recognized by its iridescent -black coloration and streamlined body form. measure 8-15 mm in length and are frequently observed on flowers, particularly umbellifers such as Anne's Lace (Daucus carota), where they feed on nectar. The is a of trapdoor in the family Euctenizidae, with at least one confirmed record of rearing from Aptostichus sp. Females spiders into paralysis and a single on the within the spider's own burrow.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aporus luxus: /əˈpɔːrəs ˈlʌksəs/

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Identification

The Aporus is distinguished from other by the gradually sloping that creates a streamlined profile. Within the genus, A. luxus can be recognized by its small size (8-15 mm) and iridescent -black coloration. The short, thick resemble those of the unrelated genus Evagetes, but Evagetes have a much blockier, less streamlined thorax. The proportionately short legs, especially the pair, further distinguish Aporus from other genera.

Appearance

Small , 8-15 mm in body length, with iridescent -black coloration. The has a distinctive streamlined profile, with the sloping gradually toward the rather than meeting it abruptly. Legs are proportionately short compared to other , with the front legs particularly . are relatively short and thick.

Habitat

Open where and nectar sources co-occur, including roadsides, fields, and disturbed areas with abundant flowering plants. The requires access to both floral resources for feeding and suitable substrate for trapdoor spider burrows.

Distribution

Western North America from central British Columbia to central Baja California, extending eastward to western Idaho, Utah, and most of Arizona. One record exists from Montezuma County, Colorado.

Seasonality

active primarily May through October. One per year in most of the range; two generations annually in southernmost latitudes.

Diet

feed on nectar from flowers, particularly umbellifers (Daucus carota), but also buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.), rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.), gumweed (Grindelia spp.), spurge (Euphorbia spp.), and others. Additional feeding sources include of Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), from , and exudates from oak . are , feeding on paralyzed trapdoor (Euctenizidae).

Host Associations

Aptostichus sp. - Euctenizidae; male reared from this

Life Cycle

Females trapdoor into paralysis and utilize the 's own burrow as a nest, depositing a single on the paralyzed spider. The larval stage develops within the spider burrow, feeding on the living but immobilized host. Details of and pre- stages remain almost wholly unknown.

Behavior

are constantly in motion while foraging on flowers, making them challenging photography subjects despite being fairly approachable. When feeding on umbelliferous blossoms, they position themselves to maintain an unobstructed view of potential threats. Females hunt trapdoor and usurp their burrows for nesting.

Evagetes spp.Shares short, thick with Aporus, but has a much blockier, less streamlined ; not closely related

More Details

Rearing record

The only confirmed record involves an male reared from a wafer-lid trapdoor (Aptostichus sp., Euctenizidae), indicating in size or development time, or differential host use.