Episyron biguttatus californicum

Episyron biguttatus californicum is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae. As a member of the Episyron, it belongs to a group of solitary specialized in hunting spiders as prey for their larvae. The subspecies epithet 'californicum' indicates a geographic association with California. Like other pompilid wasps, females paralyze spiders with their sting 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

Spiders, as is characteristic for all members of the Pompilidae.

Life Cycle

Solitary females construct underground burrows, provision with paralyzed spiders, and lay a single on a . The larva consumes the paralyzed spiders before pupating.

Ecological Role

of spiders; contributes to spider .

Tags

Sources and further reading