Aphid-honeydew
Guides
Auplopus mellipes variitarsus
Auplopus mellipes variitarsus is a subspecies of small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive free-standing mud cells, typically barrel-shaped and approximately 15 millimeters long, to house paralyzed spider prey and a single offspring. The species exhibits bright metallic blue-green coloration, with females bearing a diagnostic pygidial plate on the abdomen used as a masonry trowel during nest construction. Like other Auplopus, this subspecies is solitary and non-aggressive, feeding on aphid honeydew as adults while provisioning nests with spiders from diverse families.
Auplopus mollis
Auplopus mollis is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive free-standing mud cells, typically barrel-shaped and approximately 15 mm long by 7–10 mm wide, often stacked end-to-end in rows of two to five. The species hunts non-web-building spiders, amputates their legs to facilitate transport, and provisions each mud cell with multiple paralyzed spiders before laying a single egg. Adults feed on aphid honeydew rather than visiting flowers.