Eupathocera westwoodii
(Templeton, 1841) Benda, Pohl, Nakase, Beutel & Straka, 2022
Eupathocera westwoodii is a of twisted- in the . These are obligate of other insects, with entering through joints or . The species has been documented parasitizing , including the Great Black Wasp (Sphex pensylvanicus). Females are neotenic and remain permanently within host , while males emerge as free-flying that live only a few hours and must mate within that brief window.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eupathocera westwoodii: /juːˌpæθoʊˈsɪərə ˌwɛstˈwʊdaɪ/
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Identification
are typically detected through observation of their rather than direct observation of the parasite itself. Infected may exhibit deformities of abdominal , with bullet-like capsules protruding between segments. Male E. westwoodii are extremely small (0.5–5 mm range for the ), with distinctive reduced and fan-shaped . Females are legless, eyeless, and remain embedded within the host .
Images
Distribution
Documented from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro), Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo), USA (Texas, Montana), and Mexico. Distribution is constrained by that of its .
Host Associations
- Sphex pensylvanicus - Documented ; parasitizes
- Isodontia mexicana - Photographic documentation exists of
Life Cycle
enter through joints or . Female are neotenic and dwell permanently within host . Males eclose and enter a free-flying stage lasting only a few hours, during which they must locate and mate with females. The complete details for this specific remain poorly documented.
Ecological Role
of solitary . -level impacts on have not been quantified.
Human Relevance
Documented as a of the conspicuous Great Black , making it indirectly observable to naturalists. No direct economic or medical significance established.
Similar Taxa
- Xenos peckiiBoth are of ; X. peckii parasitizes Polistes rather than digger wasps
- Eupathocera auripedis with similar associations; both parasitize including Isodontia