Crabronidae
Guides
Hoplisoides tricolor
sand wasp
Hoplisoides tricolor is a species of solitary sand wasp in the family Crabronidae, originally described by Cresson in 1868. It is one of approximately eighteen Hoplisoides species found in North America north of Mexico. Like congeners, it is a ground-nesting wasp that hunts treehoppers (Membracidae) as prey for its larvae. The species occurs across Central America and North America, with most Hoplisoides species concentrated in western North America.
Larra bicolor
mole cricket hunter
A solitary parasitoid wasp native to South America, introduced to Florida and Puerto Rico as a biological control agent for invasive mole crickets in the genus Scapteriscus. Adult females hunt mole crickets by stinging them to temporary paralysis and depositing a single egg on the host, which the larva consumes before pupating within the cricket's remains. Adults feed on nectar, particularly from Spermacoce verticillata and other flowering plants. The species has been successfully established in the southeastern United States following introductions from Brazil and Bolivia.
Larrini
square-headed wasps
Larrini is a tribe of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as square-headed wasps. The tribe contains approximately 15 genera and over 1,300 described species. Members are characterized by reduced ocelli, often appearing as small scars rather than functional simple eyes. The tribe includes well-known genera such as Tachytes and Liris, which are common in North America and have been studied for their nesting biology and prey specialization.
Larropsis
square-headed wasps
Larropsis is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing more than 40 described species. These solitary wasps are members of the tribe Larrini and are known for their nesting behavior, including nest construction and provisioning with prey. The genus was established by Patton in 1892. Specific ecological details remain limited for many species.
Larropsis distincta
square-headed wasp
Larropsis distincta is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is native to North America and has been documented in Canada, specifically in Alberta. The species was first described by F. Smith in 1856.
Lestica
Lestica is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing at least 40 described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Crabronini, which includes primarily predatory wasps that provision nests with prey for their larvae. Species of Lestica are distributed across multiple continents, with records from Europe, North America, and tropical Africa. The genus can be distinguished from similar crabronine genera by morphological features of the abdomen.
Lindenius montezuma
Lindenius montezuma is a species of wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Cameron in 1891. The genus Lindenius belongs to the subfamily Crabroninae, a group of solitary wasps commonly known as sand wasps or digger wasps. Members of this genus are typically predatory, hunting various insects to provision their nests. The specific epithet "montezuma" refers to the Aztec emperor Montezuma, though the exact reason for this naming is not documented in available sources.
Liris partitus
Liris partitus is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, tribe Larrini. It is known from Central America and North America. As a member of the genus Liris, it is likely a solitary wasp that hunts crickets as prey, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented. The species was described in 1984 as part of a revision of North American Liris.
Mellinus abdominalis
Mellinus abdominalis is a species of digger wasp in the family Crabronidae, first described by Cresson in 1882. It is a rarely observed species native to North America, with confirmed records from Alberta, Canada. Like other members of the genus Mellinus, it is presumed to be a predator of muscoid flies, though specific biological observations for this species remain undocumented. The species is part of a small genus of solitary wasps that excavate burrows in sandy soil and provision cells with paralyzed fly prey.
Mellinus bimaculatus
Mellinus bimaculatus is a small wasp in the family Crabronidae, known for its specialized predation on flies. The species is rarely encountered and poorly documented in scientific literature. Observations indicate females hunt muscoid flies, paralyze them with a sting, and transport them to underground burrows as provisions for their larvae. The species occurs in sandy habitats across parts of North and Central America.
Mellinus imperialis
Mellinus imperialis is a small digger wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in Central America and North America. The species is rarely encountered and poorly known biologically.
Mimesa
Mimesa is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. Species are distributed across Europe and North America. As members of Psenini, these wasps are aphid predators that provision their nests with paralyzed aphids for their larvae.
Miscophini
square-headed wasps
Miscophini is a tribe of solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as square-headed wasps. The tribe comprises approximately 17 genera and at least 570 described species. These wasps are part of the diverse crabronid wasp fauna and are characterized by their distinctive head shape.
Miscophus
Miscophus is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing over 180 described species. Members of this genus are solitary wasps that nest in soil or other substrates. The genus is classified within the tribe Miscophini and has a broad distribution across multiple continents.
Nysson
Nysson is a Holarctic genus of kleptoparasitic wasps in the family Crabronidae. Over 100 species are known. These wasps are obligate kleptoparasites, meaning females exploit the food caches of other solitary wasps by locating host burrows, digging them open, destroying the host egg, and replacing it with their own. The larva then consumes the prey provisioned by the host mother.
Nysson freyigessneri
Nysson freyigessneri is a species of wasp in the family Crabronidae, originally described by Handlirsch in 1887. The species is currently considered a synonym of Nysson aurinotus. Like other members of the genus Nysson, it belongs to a group of kleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other solitary wasps. The genus Nysson is distributed across North America, with species acting as parasites primarily targeting sand wasps and other burrowing wasps.
Nysson intermedius
Nysson intermedius is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It was described by Viereck in 1908. Members of the genus Nysson are kleptoparasitic, laying their eggs in the nests of other digger wasps, particularly those in the genus Bembix and related taxa. The species occurs in North America.
Nysson lateralis
Nysson lateralis is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, distributed across North America. It belongs to the subfamily Bembicinae and tribe Nyssonini, a group that includes kleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other crabronid wasps. The species was described by Packard in 1867. Like other members of the genus Nysson, it is presumed to be a nest parasite, though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
Nysson plagiatus
Nysson plagiatus is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It is a kleptoparasite that exploits the food caches of other solitary wasps, particularly species in the genus Hoplisoides that hunt treehoppers. The species was described by Cresson in 1882 and occurs in North America. Like other members of the genus Nysson, females locate host burrows, open them, destroy the host egg, and replace it with their own egg, allowing their larvae to consume the prey provisioned by the host wasp.
Nysson subtilis
Nysson subtilis is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada including Nova Scotia. The species is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo wasp) that targets nests of other ground-nesting crabronid wasps, particularly those in the genus Hoplisoides. It can be distinguished from congeners by its entirely black front.
Nysson tristis
Nysson tristis is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly Bembicidae). It is a member of the genus Nysson, which comprises cleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other digger wasps. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other Nysson species, it likely targets the nests of sand wasps (Bembicini) as hosts.
Oxybelus bipunctatus
square-headed wasp
A square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae with a broad geographic distribution spanning Africa, Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. The species exhibits seasonal variation in nesting behavior and is known to provision nests with paralyzed flies. Two subspecies are recognized: O. b. bipunctatus and O. b. thermophilus.
Oxybelus cressonii
square-headed wasp
Oxybelus cressonii is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by C. Robertson in 1889. It belongs to a genus of predatory wasps that specialize in hunting flies. The species occurs in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other Oxybelus species, it is a solitary wasp that provisions its nest with paralyzed prey.
Oxybelus sericeus
Oxybelus sericeus is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Crabroninae. The species is notable for exhibiting male nest guarding behavior, which is rare among sphecid wasps. Males have been observed remaining at nest entrances and actively defending nests against intruders, representing unusual paternal investment in this group. The species was described by C. Robertson in 1889 and is known from North America.
Passaloecus annulatus
Passaloecus annulatus is a small solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. Females hunt aphids as food for their larval offspring and also feed on aphid honeydew. The species nests in pre-existing cavities such as beetle borings in dead wood, hollow stems, or vacant galls, partitioning these into linear series of cells. It occurs across North America.
Pemphredon
Typical Aphid Wasps, Aphid Wasps
Pemphredon is a genus of small to medium-sized solitary wasps in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as aphid wasps. The genus contains approximately 37 recognized species distributed across the Holarctic and northern Oriental regions. Females are specialized predators of aphids, which they hunt to provision nest cells for their larvae. These wasps are considered beneficial insects in agricultural and garden settings due to their role in aphid population control.
Pemphredoninae
Aphid Wasps
Pemphredoninae is a large subfamily of solitary, parasitoidal wasps in the family Crabronidae, containing over 1,000 species. Members are commonly known as aphid wasps due to the prevalence of aphid predation in many genera, though prey preferences vary consistently by genus. The subfamily has historically been treated as a separate family. Most species nest in pre-existing cavities including hollow stems, twigs, beetle borings, or excavated tunnels in soil or plant material. Several genera exhibit social or communal nesting behaviors, including Microstigmus and Spilomena.
Pemphredonini
Pemphredonini is a tribe of small, solitary wasps within the subfamily Pemphredoninae (family Crabronidae). These apoid wasps are commonly known as aphid wasps due to their specialized predation on aphids and other small Hemiptera. The tribe contains multiple genera, including the widespread Pemphredon. Adults are often observed visiting flowers for nectar.
Philanthus
beewolves, bee-hunters, bee-killer wasps
Philanthus is a genus of solitary predatory wasps commonly known as beewolves. Adult females excavate underground burrows in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. Males are highly territorial, marking vegetation with pheromones to defend mating territories. The genus contains approximately 136 species worldwide, with about 30 species occurring in North America. These wasps are important pollinators as adults and serve as population regulators of bee communities.
Philanthus bicinctus
Bumble Bee Wolf, Bumblebee Wolf
Philanthus bicinctus, commonly known as the Bumblebee Wolf, is a species of beewolf wasp endemic to the American Rockies. This solitary wasp is notable for its specialized predation on bumblebees, which it paralyzes to provision underground nests for its larvae. Research conducted at Yellowstone National Park has documented large aggregations of this species and its significant potential to influence pollinator dynamics and insect-flower interactions. Males exhibit strong territorial behavior, defending hilltops and elevated areas to secure mating opportunities.
Philanthus bilunatus
Two Moons Beewolf
Philanthus bilunatus is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, commonly known as the Two Moons Beewolf. Like other beewolves in the genus Philanthus, it is a predator of bees and wasps, which it paralyzes to provision underground nests for its larvae. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Philanthinae, it shares behavioral traits with related beewolves including territorial males and nest excavation in sandy soils.
Philanthus crabroniformis
beewolf
Philanthus crabroniformis is a species of bee-hunting wasp, commonly known as a 'beewolf,' native to North America. The species belongs to the family Crabronidae and primarily preys upon bees in the family Halictidae. Females construct nests in sandy soils and provision them with paralyzed prey for their larval offspring. The species has been documented in sympatry with P. gibbosus, with which it shares similar prey preferences but exhibits distinctive nest approach behaviors that may represent an evolutionary response to parasitic pressure from miltogrammine flies.
Philanthus gloriosus
Bee-wolf
Philanthus gloriosus is a bee-hunting wasp in the family Crabronidae, occurring west of the 100th meridian in North America. As a member of the beewolf genus Philanthus, females hunt bees to provision underground nests for their larvae. The species ranges from the Canadian prairies through the western United States to central Mexico.
Philanthus multimaculatus
beewolf, bee-hunting wasp
Philanthus multimaculatus is a common North American beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae. Females are solitary nesters that excavate burrows in sandy soil, often in aggregations with conspecifics. They provision nest cells with paralyzed bees, primarily sweat bees (Halictidae), and lay a single egg on each prey item. Males exhibit territorial behavior, perching on grass stems near nesting areas to intercept females and chase rival males. Adults visit flowers for nectar and serve as pollinators while also functioning as predators that regulate bee populations.
Philanthus politus
beewolf
Philanthus politus is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae, characterized by distinctive white striping. As a solitary hunting wasp, females prey on bees to provision underground nests for their larvae. The species is part of the diverse genus Philanthus, which contains approximately 30 species in North America and about 136 species worldwide.
Philanthus sanbornii
Sanborn's Beewolf
Philanthus sanbornii is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae, native to North America. Unlike many congeners that specialize on bees, this species has been documented as a predator of flies (Diptera), particularly small muscoid flies. Females construct simple burrows in sandy soil, capture and paralyze prey, and provision nests for their larval offspring. A five-year study in eastern Massachusetts documented over 3,000 prey items from 108 species of bees and wasps, though subsequent research in Florida identified flies as the primary prey. The species exhibits selective prey capture based on temporal availability, spatial distribution, sex ratio, and body size of available prey.
Philanthus solivagus
Philanthus solivagus is a species of beewolf wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is found in North America, with records from Canada including Alberta. As a member of the genus Philanthus, it shares the characteristic behavior of preying on bees and other hymenopterans to provision nests for its larvae.
Philanthus ventilabris
Flat-collared Beewolf
Philanthus ventilabris is a solitary bee-hunting wasp ("beewolf") in the family Crabronidae. It occurs throughout North America and has been documented visiting flowers for nectar. Like other beewolves, females provision underground nests with paralyzed bees as food for their larvae. The species was first described by Fabricius in 1798.
Pison
Pison is a cosmopolitan genus of spider wasps in the family Crabronidae, comprising approximately 145 described species with many more undescribed, particularly in South America. Adult females hunt and paralyze living spiders to provision nest cells, on which they lay eggs. The genus exhibits diverse nesting strategies, including mud construction, use of natural cavities, and excavation of burrows. Pison wasps are most diverse in the Southern Hemisphere, with about one-third of species occurring in Australia.
Pisonopsis
square-headed wasps
Pisonopsis is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, established by W. Fox in 1893. The genus contains five described species distributed across the Americas. Like other members of the tribe Trypoxylini, these wasps are solitary hunters. The genus name refers to their resemblance to the related genus Pison.
Pisonopsis birkmanni
square-headed wasp
Pisonopsis birkmanni is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae. It was described by Rohwer in 1909. The species occurs in Central America and North America. Like other members of Trypoxylini, it is a solitary wasp. Observations of this species are sparse, with limited ecological data available.
Plenoculus
square-headed wasps
Plenoculus is a genus of square-headed wasps in the family Crabronidae, established by W. Fox in 1893. The genus contains more than 20 described species. Members belong to the tribe Miscophini, a group of solitary wasps within the subfamily Crabroninae. These wasps are part of the diverse crabronid lineage, which includes many predatory species that hunt arthropod prey to provision their nests.
Pseneo punctatus
aphid wasp
Pseneo punctatus is a species of aphid wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. It was first described by W. Fox in 1898. The species is known from Central America and North America. Three subspecies are recognized: P. p. carolina, P. p. ferrugineus, and P. p. punctatus. As a member of the Psenini tribe, it is presumed to be a predator of aphids, though specific prey records for this species are not documented in the available sources.
Pseneo simplicicornis
Pseneo simplicicornis is a species of aphid wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. First described by W. Fox in 1898, this species belongs to a group of solitary wasps that provision their nests with aphids as food for their larvae. The genus Pseneo comprises small, slender wasps that are part of the diverse Crabronidae family, which includes many predatory wasp lineages.
Psenini
Psenini is a tribe of aphid wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. The tribe comprises approximately 11 genera and at least 460 described species. Members are solitary wasps that provision nests with aphids (Aphididae) as food for their larvae. The tribe was established by A. Costa in 1858 and has been historically classified within Sphecidae, though modern taxonomy places it in Crabronidae.
Pulverro
Pulverro is a genus of aphid wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Pemphredoninae. The genus was established by Pate in 1937 and contains approximately 13 described species. These wasps are specialized predators of aphids, a characteristic trait of the Ammoplanina group within the Pemphredoninae.
Rhopalum atlanticum
Rhopalum atlanticum is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, described by R. Bohart in 1974. The genus Rhopalum comprises small, predatory wasps known as sand wasps that provision nests with paralyzed prey. This species occurs in North America and Middle America. Like other members of its genus, it likely excavates burrows in sandy soils and hunts small insects to provision larval cells.
Rhopalum clavipes
Rhopalum clavipes is a species of square-headed wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is native to Europe and Northern Asia, and has been introduced to North America where it is now widespread. The species has been documented with a unique phoretic association with the dipteran Ptychoneura minuta, whose eggs are attached to the thorax of adult female wasps.
Rhopalum sp.
A member of the digger wasp genus *Rhopalum*, provisionally assigned as a likely introduced species pending formal identification. *Rhopalum* species are solitary, predatory wasps that provision nests with paralyzed prey for their larvae. This record represents a specimen or population detected outside its presumed native range, suggesting human-mediated dispersal. The genus occurs across multiple continents, with some species widely distributed due to commerce and travel.
Saygorytes
Saygorytes is a genus of sand wasps in the family Crabronidae, established by Nemkov in 2007. The genus comprises approximately seven described species distributed in North America. Members are solitary wasps that visit sunflowers and other plants for nectar. They are part of the diverse community of wasps attracted to extrafloral nectaries on sunflowers in arid and disturbed habitats.