Aporinellus fasciatus
(Smith, 1855)
Aporinellus fasciatus is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae, described by Smith in 1855. Members of this are solitary that hunt spiders as prey for their larvae. The specific epithet "fasciatus" refers to a banded appearance, though detailed descriptions of this species' are limited in available sources. Like other pompilid wasps, it likely exhibits the characteristic of spider wasps, including paralyzing spiders to serve as living food stores for developing offspring.


Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aporinellus fasciatus: /ˌæpɔːrɪˈnɛlɪs ˌfæsiˈeɪtəs/
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Images
Distribution
Distribution records for this are sparse. The Aporinellus occurs in North America, but specific range data for A. fasciatus is not well documented in available sources.
Diet
As a member of Pompilidae, this has been observed to hunt spiders. The paralyzes spiders with its sting and provisions nests with them as food for larvae.
Host Associations
Ecological Role
As a of spiders, this contributes to . Spider wasps serve as important agents of spider in their .
Similar Taxa
- Other Pompilidae generaSpider wasps share general body plan and spider-hunting , but Aporinellus may be distinguished by specific morphological features not detailed in available sources.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
This was originally described by Frederick Smith in 1855. The Aporinellus is part of the diverse spider wasp Pompilidae, which contains over 5,000 described species worldwide.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
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