Dielis plumipes fossulana

(Fabricius, 1805)

Dielis plumipes fossulana is a of scoliid in the tribe Campsomerini, characterized by females with significantly smaller metasomal tergal yellow bands on T1–T3 compared to the sympatric Dielis tejensis. This wasp occurs in east-central Texas and surrounding Gulf Coastal states, where forage for nectar and larvae develop as of scarab beetle . The exhibits strong typical of the tribe, with males and females differing in body structure and color pattern.

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 plumipes ssp. fossulana by Kai Squires. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dielis plumipes fossulana: /ˈdiː.ɛ.lɪs ˈpluː.mɪ.ˌpiːz ˌfɒs.jʊˈlɑː.nə/

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Identification

Females distinguished from Dielis tejensis by smaller metasomal tergal yellow bands on abdominal tergites T1–T3 (Mann–Whitney test, p < 0.01 to p < 0.0001). Mitochondrial divergence from D. tejensis approximately 7% in coding regions. Possesses enlarged nad2-trnW and shortened insert dividing cox2 gene into cox2a and cox2b with TAA in middle of insert. Males exhibit typical Campsomerini with differences in antennal structure and coloration from females.

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Habitat

East-central Texas savannas and prairies; Gulf Coastal Plains; open woodland, savanna and grassland on sandy and loamy soils with clay-loam bottomlands; humid subtropical climate (Cfa Köppen classification)

Distribution

USA: Texas (Harris County, Houston area; historically more numerous, now reduced), Florida, Louisiana;

Diet

forage for nectar; larvae develop as idiobiont ectoparasitoids of , primarily Scarabaeidae

Life Cycle

Multi-generational with more than one per year; possible female stage inferred from related D. tejensis

Behavior

(burrowing) lifestyle; contribute to plant pollination while foraging for nectar

Ecological Role

agent for scarab beetle ; of flowering plants; potential economic importance for agriculture

Human Relevance

Potential value in for scarab beetle control in agricultural and turf systems; subject of taxonomic research clarifying boundaries in the Dielis

Similar Taxa

  • Dielis tejensisFemales closely resemble D. plumipes fossulana and occur in partial sympatry in Harris County, Texas; distinguished by larger metasomal tergal yellow bands and approximately 7% mitochondrial divergence
  • Dielis plumipes (nominate subspecies)Parent ; subspecific distinction based on morphological and molecular characteristics requiring further geographic sampling to clarify range boundaries

Sources and further reading