Neotiphia

Neotiphia

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neotiphia: //niːˈoʊˌtɪfiə//

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

Images

Neotiphia ocellata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Neotiphia pubescens by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Neotiphia novomexicana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Neotiphia ocellata by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Neotiphia pubescens by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Neotiphia novomexicana by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Neotiphia is a genus of solitary wasps within the family Tiphiidae, characterized by specific morphological features in adults and a diverse distribution across the southwestern United States. They are small to medium-sized with varying winged conditions in females and are commonly associated with the Sonoran desert region.

Physical Characteristics

Small to medium-sized solitary wasps, up to 25 mm in length. The thorax is typically orange-red or black. Males have 10-13 antennal segments, while females have 10-12. Antennae may or may not be sharply bent, and fore-wings possess a distinct pterostigma. Wingless females show distinct dorsal segmentation on the thorax.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive ribbon-like apical fasciae on the abdomen segments T2-T4 and the absence of a long sclerotized vein in the forewing venation.

Habitat

Most diverse in the Sonoran desert region; also found in various habitats across AZ, CO, IA, KS, NM, MI, SD, TX.

Distribution

Found primarily in the southwestern United States, including states such as Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, and South Dakota.

Diet

Adults primarily feed on nectar, while larvae are often parasitoids of other insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details specific to Neotiphia species are not included, but akin species undergo typical Holometabola development: egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Reproduction typically occurs through mating, and eggs are laid in substrates associated with the host insects larvae.

Ecosystem Role

As parasitoids, they play a role in controlling the populations of other insect species.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting
  • Malaise traps
  • Hand collecting

Preservation Methods

  • Ethyl alcohol
  • Pinning
  • Curation in entomological collections

Evolution

Part of the larger flower wasp family Tiphiidae, which includes diverse parasitoid wasps.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Neotiphia
  • Tiphiidae
  • Hymenoptera
  • solitary wasps
  • Sonoran desert