Dual-taxonomy
Guides
Brachycistidinae
Brachycistidinae is a subfamily of flower wasps (Tiphiidae) containing 10 genera and 85 species endemic to the Nearctic region. These wasps exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism: females are wingless and ant-like, living primarily underground, while males are winged and nocturnal. The subfamily has historically suffered from "dual taxonomy," where sexes were described as separate species due to their dissimilar appearance. Taxonomic resolution remains challenging due to structural similarities among species and lack of distinctive coloration.