Psorthaspis
Banks, 1911
spider wasps
Psorthaspis is a of in the , containing more than 30 described . Members of this genus are solitary that hunt to provision their nests. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1911.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Psorthaspis: /psɔːrˈθæspɪs/
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Images
Diet
females hunt to provision underground nests for their . The specific spider utilized as vary by and have been poorly documented for most Psorthaspis species.
Behavior
Females are solitary hunters that capture , paralyze them with , and transport them to underground burrows where a single is laid on each spider. The consumes the still-living paralyzed spider. Males have been observed areas near plants or nesting sites.
Ecological Role
As of , Psorthaspis help regulate spider . Their nesting activities may contribute to soil aeration.
Similar Taxa
- PompilusBoth are of in with similar body plans and hunting behaviors; Psorthaspis often have more hind legs adapted for digging
- AnopliusAnother large of with overlapping geographic ranges; Psorthaspis can be distinguished by differences in and structure