Episyron biguttatus californicum
Episyron biguttatus californicum is a of in the . As a member of the Episyron, it belongs to a group of solitary specialized in hunting as for their . The subspecies epithet 'californicum' indicates a geographic association with California. Like other pompilid wasps, females paralyze spiders with their and provision underground burrows for their offspring.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Episyron biguttatus californicum: /ˌɛpɪˈsɪrɒn bɪˈɡʌtətəs kæˌlɪˈfɔrnɪkəm/
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Distribution
California, based on the epithet 'californicum'.
Diet
, as is characteristic for all members of the .
Life Cycle
Solitary females construct underground burrows, provision with paralyzed , and lay a single on a . The consumes the paralyzed spiders before pupating.
Ecological Role
of ; contributes to spider .
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- iNaturalist taxon
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Blue Mud Dauber, Chalybion californicum
- Tents in the Mojave: Western tent caterpillar, Malacosoma californicum — Bug of the Week
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Trypoxylon
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Chlorion aerarium
- Bug Eric: Tiny Wasp Hero Slays Redback Spiders in Australia
- Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Spider Enemies