Poecilopompilus algidus coquilletti

(Provancher, 1887)

Poecilopompilus algidus coquilletti is a of spider wasp in the Pompilidae. It is a Müllerian mimic that closely resembles paper wasps (Polistes) in the southern United States, but northern may mimic the black-and-red coloration of Anoplius spider wasps instead. This plastic mimicry represents one of the more remarkable examples of intraspecific color variation in . The subspecies is part of a predominantly tropical with only three reaching the United States.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Poecilopompilus algidus coquilletti: //ˌpiːsɪloʊˈpɒmpɪləs ˈældʒɪdəs koʊkwɪˈliːti//

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Identification

Females of P. algidus coquilletti measure 15–20 mm in body length, males 13–17 mm. The exhibits highly variable coloration: southern typically show yellow and black patterns mimicking Polistes paper wasps, while northern populations may be almost entirely black with red abdominal bands resembling Anoplius. Reliable separation from the sympatric P. interruptus requires examination of tarsal spines and structure: P. algidus has 3 strong spines on the front and strongly convergent inner eye margins at the top, whereas P. interruptus has 4 weak spines and parallel inner eye margins.

Distribution

This occurs across a broad North American range from California and Arizona east to Utah, Texas, and Florida, and north to South Dakota, Minnesota, Michigan, and Massachusetts.

Diet

Preys exclusively upon orbweaver spiders ( Araneidae). A female has been documented transporting Neoscona oaxacensis (Western Spotted Orbweaver).

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Females sting orbweaver spiders into weak paralysis, then transport them backwards overland to nesting sites in bare soil, often at the base of grass tussocks. They excavate shallow burrows 2.5–11 cm deep, angling 45–90 degrees, with a spherical terminal chamber where the paralyzed spider is deposited and a single is laid. The burrow entrance is carefully concealed after oviposition to deter and .

Behavior

are frequently observed on flowers and extrafloral of sunflower (Helianthus spp.). Females transport prey backwards while overland. Males are territorial and may investigate moving objects. The possesses a potent sting used defensively.

Ecological Role

As a of orbweaver spiders, this helps regulate spider . Its Müllerian mimicry of well-defended wasps (Polistes, Anoplius) reinforces predator avoidance learning.

Human Relevance

The sting is memorable and potentially painful; one observer compared it favorably to a Polistes aurifer sting from childhood. do not damage crops or structures and are primarily encountered during field activities.

Similar Taxa

  • Poecilopompilus interruptusSympatric and convergent in coloration; distinguished by 4 weak tarsal spines (vs. 3 strong) and parallel inner margins (vs. convergent)
  • Polistes spp.Mimicry target in southern ; distinguished by different wing folding, nest-building , and lack of spider prey transport
  • Anoplius spp.Mimicry target in northern ; distinguished by different tarsal spine arrangement and structure

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