Allochares
Banks, 1917
Species Guides
1Allochares is a of spider wasps in the Pompilidae, containing only the Allochares azureus. The genus is to the southern United States and Mexico. Its sole species is a of the southern house spider (Kukulcania hibernalis), exhibiting distinctive hunting and oviposition adapted to this .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Allochares: //ˌæ.loʊˈkɛəriːz//
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Identification
The is distinguished by a convex and concave shape, particularly pronounced in males. A characteristic excavated propodeum bears conical teeth directed posteriorly. Females lack a tarsal comb. The single exhibits blue or green iridescence from short hairs on a black body.
Images
Habitat
Associated with the web of its spider, including human structures and natural shelters where Kukulcania hibernalis constructs tube-like retreats.
Distribution
Southern : southern United States from Florida to California, south to Mexican states of Jalisco and Veracruz.
Seasonality
Multiple per year; active during flowering periods of associated plants.
Host Associations
- Kukulcania hibernalis - ; female hunts, paralyzes, and oviposits on this spider exclusively. Spider is secured in its own web using silk strands.
Life Cycle
hatches in 2–3 days. Larva feeds on paralyzed spider for 10–12 days. occurs in web within distinct cocoon with outer surface covered in long silky hairs. Multiple per year.
Behavior
Female hunts on foot with short rapid rushes and wing flicking, making short of approximately one meter between hunting sites. Upon locating web, enters spider's tube-like retreat. Pursues spider if detected, attacking from behind and sometimes flipping it to deliver paralytic sting. Drags paralyzed spider vertically if necessary, securing it in web using spider's own silk before oviposition.
Ecological Role
control of southern house spider; nectar feeding on flowers may contribute to pollination.
Human Relevance
agent for southern house spider, a associated with human dwellings.
Similar Taxa
- Other Pompilidae generaAllochares differs in lacking tarsal comb in females and possessing excavated propodeum with conical teeth; most spider wasps have spines and modified tarsal claws for grappling prey, which Allochares lacks as to web-dwelling .
More Details
Morphological adaptations
Absence of spines and modified tarsal claws represents apparent to hunting in spider webs, as these structures could entangle in the velcro-like threads of Kukulcania hibernalis webs.
Adult feeding records
observed feeding on flowers of Baccharis, Solidago, Acacia, Asclepias, Condalia, Hyptis emoryi, and Colubrina texensis.