Scolioidea

Scolioidea

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scolioidea: //skɒliˈɔɪdiə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Illustrations of Exotic Entomology I 44 by Plates: Dru Drury (1725–1803). Text: John Obadiah Westwood (1805–1893). Used under a Public domain license.
Scoliid Wasp - Campsomeris plumipes, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, Felda, Florida - 24787199706 by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Dielis pilipes (65854217) by Eddie Dunbar. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Campsomeris plumipes by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Dielis tolteca - inat 150788417 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Scoliid Wasp - Campsomeris dorsata, Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Homestead, Florida by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

The Scoliidae family, comprising around 560 species of solitary parasitoid wasps, primarily targets scarab beetle larvae for reproduction. Adults are often found on flowers, contributing to minor pollination and play a vital role in biocontrol as they help manage pest populations.

Physical Characteristics

Scoliid wasps are typically black with yellow or orange markings. They have distinctively corrugated wing tips. Males are more slender and elongated than females, with significantly longer antennae.

Identification Tips

Look for the corrugated wing tips and the color patterns which may include yellow or orange markings on a black body.

Habitat

Scoliid wasps are generally found in habitats where scarab beetle larvae are present, such as areas with sandy or loose soil where they can burrow.

Distribution

Approximately 560 species are found worldwide, with some species occurring in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.

Diet

Scoliid wasps are parasitoids of scarab beetle larvae, using their sting to paralyze and then laying eggs on or in the larvae.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae developing within the paralyzed beetle larvae.

Reproduction

Males patrol territories to mate with females that emerge from the ground; females find and paralyze scarab larvae for reproduction.

Ecosystem Role

They serve as biocontrol agents by parasitizing pest insects, particularly scarab beetles like the Japanese beetle.

Economic Impact

Act as natural pest controllers, potentially reducing the need for chemical pesticides in agriculture by managing beetle populations.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting adults during mating or foraging
  • Collecting larvae from host beetles

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning adults
  • Preserving larvae in ethanol

Evolution

Scoliid wasps are believed to have diverged from common ancestors with other wasps during the early evolution of Hymenoptera.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Scoliid wasps are sometimes mistaken for more dangerous wasps, but they are generally non-aggressive and do not sting unless provoked.

Tags

  • Scolioidea
  • Scoliidae
  • wasps
  • biocontrol
  • insects