Sericopompilus angustatus

Distinguished from other Pompilidae by the combination of slender body form, dense silvery pubescence, and dark smoky wings. The genus Sericopompilus can be separated from similar genera such as Anoplius and Pompilus by the more elongate body and distinctive pubescence pattern. Specific identification to S. angustatus requires examination of structural details including clypeal shape and genitalia, best determined by specialists.

Body slender and elongate with silvery or grayish pubescence covering much of the integument. Wings dark, often with a smoky or blackish tint. Legs long and spindly, adapted for running and grappling with spider prey. Antennae thread-like and relatively long. Body coloration generally dark, with the silvery hair providing a distinctive sheen.

Found in open, dry habitats including grasslands, prairies, and sandy areas. Associated with areas where ground-nesting spiders are abundant, as these provide prey for larval development.

Recorded from North America, with occurrence in the United States. Specific state or provincial records require verification from specimen data.

Adult activity period not well documented; most spider wasps in temperate regions are active during summer months.

Adults feed on nectar from flowers. Larvae are parasitoid, feeding on paralyzed spiders provisioned by the female parent.

Solitary nesting. Females hunt spiders, sting them to induce paralysis, and transport them to a nest burrow. A single egg is laid on the spider, and the larva consumes the still-living host. Development includes egg, larval, and pupal stages before adult emergence.

Females are active hunters, searching ground and vegetation for spider prey. Prey transport involves dragging or carrying the paralyzed spider to the nest site. Males are often observed patrolling areas for females and may establish territorial perches.

Acts as a population control agent for spiders, particularly ground-dwelling species. Contributes to nutrient cycling through predation and carcass provisioning.

Not medically significant; sting painful but not dangerous to humans. Occasionally encountered in gardens and natural areas but does not conflict with human activities. Of interest to entomologists studying spider wasp biology.

• Anoplius spp.Similar size and general appearance, but Anoplius typically has less dense pubescence and different wing venation.
• Pompilus spp.Overlaps in habitat and behavior, but Pompilus species generally have broader bodies and different color patterns.
• Sericopompilus apicalisCongeneric species with similar appearance; distinguished by differences in wing markings and structural details of the genitalia.

• spider wasp
• solitary wasp
• parasitoid
• hymenoptera

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life