Inquiline

Guides

Myrmechixenini
Myrmechixenini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Jacquelin du Val in 1858. The tribe belongs to the subfamily Diaperinae within the speciose family Tenebrionidae, one of the largest families of beetles. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with ant colonies, reflecting the etymology of the name (from Greek myrmex, ant, and xenia, hospitality). The tribe contains relatively few described species and is poorly represented in collections, with only 13 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
myrmecophile inquiline cryptic rarely-collected Diaperinae Tenebrionidae
Myrmecoblatta
Ant Cockroaches
Myrmecoblatta is a genus of small cockroaches in the family Corydiidae, commonly called ant cockroaches. These insects are myrmecophiles, living in close association with ant colonies. The genus was established by Mann in 1914 and contains species found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. They represent a specialized evolutionary lineage adapted to life within ant nests.
myrmecophile inquiline commensal cave-like-habitat wingless pale-coloration ant-association tropical subtropical
Myrmecoblatta wheeleri
Wheeler's Ant Cockroach
Myrmecoblatta wheeleri is a small, myrmecophilous cockroach species known for its obligate association with ant colonies. First described by Hebard in 1917, this species inhabits the nest chambers of host ants, where it has been observed in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Florida. The species represents one of the few documented cases of true myrmecophily in cockroaches, having evolved specialized adaptations for life within ant societies. Its common name honors the American entomologist William Morton Wheeler, who conducted pioneering studies on ant ecology and myrmecophilous organisms.
myrmecophily inquiline symbiosis Corydiidae Neotropical Nearctic
Myrmecophilus americanus
American ant cricket, ant cricket
Myrmecophilus americanus is a wingless cricket that lives as an obligate parasite within ant nests. It is kleptoparasitic, feeding on food scraps brought by worker ants and encouraging them to regurgitate food. The species shows host specificity to the longhorn crazy ant (Paratrechina longicornis), though occasional records from other ant species exist. Its body shape and size resemble the gaster of the ant queen, possibly assisting its integration into the colony through mimicry.
myrmecophile kleptoparasite apterous ant-associate inquiline
Odontofroggatia
Odontofroggatia is a genus of non-pollinating fig wasps in the family Epichrysomallidae. The genus is associated with a narrow range of host fig species, specifically Ficus microcarpa and Ficus prasinicarpa. Members develop within fig fruits as parasitoids or inquilines. The genus was established by Ishii in 1934.
fig-wasp non-pollinating-fig-wasp Chalcidoidea Epichrysomallinae Ficus host-specificity inquiline parasitoid Hymenoptera
Ormyridae
Ormyridae is a small family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Members are parasitoids or hyperparasitoids of gall-forming insects, primarily cynipid wasps and tephritid flies. The family comprises approximately 153 species across three subfamilies (Asparagobiinae, Hemadinae, Ormyrinae) and several genera, with the majority in the genus Ormyrus. Ormyridae has a cosmopolitan distribution but is almost entirely absent from South America. Adults of many species exhibit iridescent coloration and distinctive metasomal sculpturing.
parasitoid hyperparasitoid gall-wasp Chalcidoidea cryptic-species biological-control oak-gall fig-wasp inquiline cynipid
Periclistus
Periclistus is a genus of micro-hymenopteran gall wasps (Cynipidae) comprising at least 17 described species. These wasps are obligate inquilines that occupy galls induced by other cynipid genera on plants in the rose family (Rosaceae), particularly roses (Rosa). Unlike gall inducers, Periclistus species have lost the ability to initiate galls but retain the capacity to modify existing gall tissue, inducing nutritive tissue for their own larvae. The genus exhibits a phylogenetic divide between Palaearctic and Nearctic clades, with host specificity ranging from specialists to generalists across different species.
inquiline gall-wasp cynipid Rosaceae Rosa Holarctic phytophagous parasitoid agastoparasitism
Pheidole elecebra
Pheidole elecebra is an ant species endemic to the United States. It is a workerless inquiline, meaning it lives within the nests of another ant species without producing a worker caste of its own. The species is entirely dependent on its host, Pheidole ceres, for colony maintenance and survival.
inquiline workerless social-parasite myrmicinae endemic united-states pheidole-ceres formicidae
Philonix
oak gall wasps
Philonix is a genus of oak gall wasps in the family Cynipidae, restricted to North America (Canada, United States, and Mexico). Species in this genus induce spherical, soft, fleshy galls on white oaks (Quercus sect. Quercus), typically on the undersides of leaves. The genus was first described by Asa Fitch in 1859. Unlike many cynipid wasps, alternate sexual and asexual generations have not been documented in Philonix.
gall-wasp cynipid oak-gall white-oak inquiline North-America
Philotermes
Philotermes is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing seven described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Philotermitini within the subfamily Aleocharinae. Species were described between 1857 and 1957, with most described by Kraatz in 1857 and Seevers in 1938 and 1957. The genus is taxonomically accepted and placed within the rove beetle lineage Staphylinoidea.
termitophile inquiline Staphylinidae Aleocharinae Philotermitini rove-beetle
Pholeomyia
freeloader flies
Pholeomyia is a genus of freeloader flies in the family Milichiidae, comprising more than 30 described species. The genus is notable for its myrmecophilous associations, particularly with leaf-cutting ants. At least one species, P. comans, has been documented as an inquiline in nests of Atta texana, where larvae develop in underground detritus cavities.
Diptera Milichiidae myrmecophily inquiline leaf-cutting-ants Atta detritivore
Phylloteras volutellae
conical oak gall wasp
Phylloteras volutellae is a cynipid gall wasp native to North America that induces distinctive conical galls on the leaves of white oaks (Quercus section Quercus). The species is best known for the detachable, clustered galls formed on leaf undersides, each housing a single larva. Adults emerge in early January, though adult morphology remains undescribed.
gall-wasp oak-gall cynipid inquiline white-oak Quercus leaf-gall Phylloteras
Platydema inquilina
Platydema inquilina is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Linell in 1899. The specific epithet "inquilina" (Latin for "lodger" or "tenant") suggests an association with the nests or colonies of other organisms. As a member of the genus Platydema, it belongs to a group of tenebrionids often found in decaying wood, under bark, or in association with social insects. Published records for this species are sparse, and detailed biological information remains limited.
darkling-beetle tenebrionidae inquiline rarely-recorded
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus
Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus is a species of harvester ant in the genus Pogonomyrmex. Like other members of this genus, it is a seed-collecting ant native to arid regions. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1914. As a harvester ant, it likely participates in seed dispersal and ecosystem engineering through nest construction, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.
harvester-ant seed-collecting-ant arid-adapted-ant Pogonomyrmex Myrmicinae Formicidae Hymenoptera Insecta Arthropoda Animalia Forel-1914 species accepted Pogonomyrmex-tenuispinus Pogonomyrmecini Aculeata Apocrita Hexapoda Eukaryota Metazoa Vespoidea insect ant seed-harvester desert-ant native-species keystone-species-candidate ecosystem-engineer myrmecochory nest-disk island-of-fertility stinging-ant venomous-insect arthropod hymenopteran formicid myrmicine-ant pogonomyrmecine-ant harvester-ant-species Pogonomyrmex-species North-American-ant western-North-America-ant arid-region-ant xeric-habitat-ant granivorous-ant seed-predator seed-disperser soil-engineer vegetation-engineer nest-rim-vegetation biodiversity-hotspot-creator food-web-participant predator prey insectivore-food-source rodent-defense mammal-defense painful-sting Schmidt-sting-pain-index Justin-Schmidt Derek-Uhey Richard-Hofstetter keystone-species pest-perception range-management rangeland-ecology restoration-ecology invasion-ecology native-plant-restoration drought-refuge grazing-refuge disturbance-recovery fire-recovery soil-nutrient-enhancement trash-dump-ecosystem house-guest-habitat mite-associate silverfish-associate beetle-associate springtail-associate bacteria-associate mycorrhizae-associate protist-associate fungi-associate arthropod-associate bird-food-source lizard-food-source mammal-food-source sage-grouse-food-source horned-lizard-food-source endangered-species-food-source traditional-medicine indigenous-knowledge Shoshonean ritual-use vision-quest dream-helper therapeutic-use anaphylaxis-risk allergic-reaction sting-avoidance non-flying-insect non-domestic-pest crop-pest-perception weed-seed-preference restoration-seed-loss broadcast-seeding-interference seed-selection seed-preference filaree Erodium-cicutarium mustard Brassica-tournefortii brittlebush buckwheat exotic-plant invasive-plant native-plant coastal-sage-scrub Colorado-Plateau Arizona Utah Nevada California New-Mexico Texas Mexico Chihuahuan-Desert Sonoran-Desert Mojave-Desert Great-Basin Colorado-Desert arid-grassland shrubland pinyon-juniper ponderosa-pine nest-rim nest-clearing nest-mound subterranean-granary trunk-trail foraging-patch patroller-ant forager-ant seed-transport seed-storage seed-consumption seed-germination seedling-establishment plant-recruitment plant-community-composition vegetation-pattern landscape-pattern polka-dot-landscape bare-soil vegetation-clearing vegetation-enhancement nutrient-deposition detritus-accumulation soil-biota-enhancement microhabitat-creation refugia stress-tolerance drought-tolerance grazing-tolerance fire-tolerance ecosystem-stability ecosystem-resilience ecosystem-services conservation-value management-consideration research-subject educational-subject ant-farm-subject children's-science outreach public-education entomology myrmecology ecology ethnobiology ethnoentomology venom-biochemistry peptide-venom sodium-ion-channel mammalian-nervous-system toxicology LD50 Maricopa-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-maricopa western-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-occidentalis Californian-harvester-ant Pogonomyrmex-californicus Pogonomyrmex-rugosus Pogonomyrmex-subdentatus red-harvester-ant black-harvester-ant Messor Veromessor seed-harvesting-ant-genera ant-genera ant-species ant-taxonomy ant-biodiversity ant-conservation ant-management ant-control ant-bait ant-sting-treatment ant-allergy ant-venom-evolution ant-plant-interaction ant-seed-interaction ant-rodent-interaction ant-vertebrate-interaction ant-arthropod-interaction ant-microbe-interaction ant-soil-interaction ant-vegetation-interaction ant-landscape-interaction mutualism commensalism predation scavenging granivory myrmecophily myrmecophagy formicivory ecological-engineering ecosystem-engineering keystone-engineering foundation-species dominant-species abundant-species conspicuous-species visible-species indicator-species umbrella-species flagship-species research-model ecological-model behavioral-model social-insect eusocial-insect colonial-insect colony-life caste-system worker-ant queen-ant male-ant reproductive-ant patroller forager nest-maintenance brood-care food-storage territorial-defense sting-defense mandible-defense chemical-defense alarm-pheromone trail-pheromone recruitment tandem-running mass-foraging central-place-foraging optimal-foraging seed-size-selection seed-chemistry-selection seed-morphology-selection awned-seed elaiosome seed-appendage seed-dispersal-distance seed-fate seed-bank seed-predation seed-survival seedling-survival plant-population-dynamics plant-community-dynamics vegetation-recovery vegetation-restoration habitat-restoration ecological-restoration rangeland-management grazing-management fire-management drought-management climate-change-adaptation conservation-biology applied-ecology landscape-ecology community-ecology population-ecology behavioral-ecology evolutionary-ecology functional-ecology ecosystem-ecology soil-ecology microbial-ecology invasion-biology biological-invasion exotic-species non-native-species alien-species invasive-species-management native-species-conservation biodiversity-conservation species-interaction food-web trophic-level energy-flow nutrient-cycling decomposition primary-production secondary-production herbivory carnivory omnivory detritivory scavenger opportunistic-feeder generalist-feeder selective-feeder specialist-feeder seed-specialist arthropod-predator arthropod-prey vertebrate-prey vertebrate-predator insect-predator insect-prey ecological-function ecological-impact ecological-significance scientific-name taxonomic-authority original-description type-specimen type-locality species-validity accepted-species valid-species nomenclature taxonomy systematics phylogeny biogeography distribution-range geographic-range endemic native-range naturalized-range introduced-range range-expansion range-contraction range-shift habitat-specificity habitat-breadth niche-breadth 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myrmecologist ecologist conservationist naturalist ethnobiologist toxicologist behavioral-ecologist 2021 2023 November-2021 December-2023 July-2015 July-17 July-18 Annals-of-the-Entomological-Society-of-America Environmental-Entomology Bug-of-the-Week Bug-Squad Entomology-Today National-Moth-Week photo photograph image visual-record documentation field-observation field-study field-experiment laboratory-study controlled-experiment observational-study comparative-study long-term-study short-term-study cross-sectional-study experimental-manipulation exclosure grazing-exclosure drought-event climate-event weather-event disturbance-event fire-event grazing-event seasonal-variation temporal-variation spatial-variation nest-pattern plant-composition plant-cover plant-biomass plant-growth plant-recovery seed-bank-dynamics soil-property soil-nutrient soil-moisture soil-temperature soil-biota microbial-community fungal-community bacterial-community detritus refuse-pile trash-dump nest-chamber brood-chamber food-chamber granary-chamber tunnel-system nest-architecture nest-structure nest-entrance nest-vegetation nest-microclimate nest-microhabitat associate-community inquiline myrmecophile nest-guest house-guest commensal symbiont parasite detritivore decomposer nutrient-cycler energy-transformer trophic-intermediary ecosystem-service-provider habitat-creator habitat-modifier habitat-enhancer restoration-tool management-tool conservation-tool education-tool research-tool model-organism study-system field-site field-station natural-area protected-area national-park state-park wildlife-refuge nature-reserve conservation-area research-area study-area sampling-location observation-location occurrence-location distribution-point range-point range-limit range-boundary range-center range-periphery core-population peripheral-population source-population sink-population metapopulation population-structure population-dynamics population-genetics colony-structure colony-dynamics 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resource-response food-response water-response nest-response brood-response queen-response colony-response social-response communication signal cue information-transfer information-sharing collective-decision consensus-decision quorum-sensing stigmergy self-organization emergent-property complex-system adaptive-system resilient-system robust-system buffered-system stable-system persistent-system sustainable-system evolved-system adapted-system specialized-system generalized-system plastic-system flexible-system responsive-system reactive-system proactive-system anticipatory-system predictive-system cognitive-system intelligent-system conscious-system sentient-system living-system biological-system ecological-system social-system environmental-system earth-system natural-system human-system managed-system conserved-system restored-system degraded-system disturbed-system stressed-system vulnerable-system sensitive-system indicator-system model-system experimental-system theoretical-system conceptual-system abstract-system concrete-system real-system imagined-system possible-system probable-system certain-system known-system unknown-system studied-system unstudied-system described-system undescribed-system named-system unnamed-system classified-system unclassified-system categorized-system uncategorized-system organized-system disorganized-system structured-system unstructured-system ordered-system disordered-system simple-system complicated-system easy-system difficult-system hard-system soft-system rigid-system static-system dynamic-system unstable-system equilibrium-system nonequilibrium-system steady-state transient-state initial-state final-state intermediate-state boundary-condition initial-condition final-condition driving-force controlling-factor determining-factor influencing-factor affecting-factor modifying-factor regulating-factor governing-factor shaping-factor creating-factor destroying-factor maintaining-factor preserving-factor changing-factor transforming-factor converting-factor transferring-factor moving-factor transporting-factor carrying-factor holding-factor storing-factor releasing-factor emitting-factor absorbing-factor taking-factor giving-factor receiving-factor sending-factor transmitting-factor processing-factor handling-factor manipulating-factor using-factor utilizing-factor exploiting-factor consuming-factor eating-factor feeding-factor nourishing-factor sustaining-factor supporting-factor helping-factor aiding-factor assisting-factor benefiting-factor advantaging-factor favoring-factor promoting-factor enhancing-factor improving-factor bettering-factor worsening-factor damaging-factor harming-factor hurting-factor injuring-factor killing-factor eliminating-factor removing-factor eradicating-factor extirpating-factor extincting-factor conserving-factor protecting-factor saving-factor rescuing-factor restoring-factor recovering-factor rehabilitating-factor renewing-factor reviving-factor regenerating-factor reproducing-factor breeding-factor multiplying-factor increasing-factor growing-factor expanding-factor spreading-factor dispersing-factor distributing-factor allocating-factor assigning-factor apportioning-factor dividing-factor sharing-factor partitioning-factor separating-factor splitting-factor breaking-factor fragmenting-factor segmenting-factor sectioning-factor compartmentalizing-factor organizing-factor arranging-factor ordering-factor structuring-factor systematizing-factor methodizing-factor rationalizing-factor standardizing-factor normalizing-factor regularizing-factor stabilizing-factor balancing-factor equalizing-factor harmonizing-factor synchronizing-factor coordinating-factor integrating-factor unifying-factor combining-factor merging-factor fusing-factor blending-factor mixing-factor stirring-factor agitating-factor shaking-factor shifting-factor altering-factor varying-factor differing-factor deviating-factor diverging-factor converging-factor meeting-factor joining-factor connecting-factor linking-factor relating-factor associating-factor correlating-factor comparing-factor contrasting-factor differentiating-factor distinguishing-factor discriminating-factor identifying-factor recognizing-factor knowing-factor understanding-factor comprehending-factor grasping-factor perceiving-factor sensing-factor feeling-factor experiencing-factor observing-factor noticing-factor seeing-factor looking-factor watching-factor viewing-factor examining-factor inspecting-factor checking-factor testing-factor trying-factor attempting-factor endeavoring-factor striving-factor working-factor laboring-factor toiling-factor struggling-factor fighting-factor competing-factor contending-factor opposing-factor resisting-factor defending-factor guarding-factor shielding-factor screening-factor covering-factor hiding-factor concealing-factor masking-factor disguising-factor camouflaging-factor mimicking-factor imitating-factor copying-factor replicating-factor duplicating-factor propagating-factor bearing-factor containing-factor enclosing-factor surrounding-factor encircling-factor encompassing-factor including-factor incorporating-factor embodying-factor representing-factor symbolizing-factor signifying-factor meaning-factor denoting-factor indicating-factor showing-factor displaying-factor exhibiting-factor demonstrating-factor proving-factor verifying-factor confirming-factor validating-factor authenticating-factor certifying-factor attesting-factor witnessing-factor testifying-factor declaring-factor stating-factor asserting-factor claiming-factor arguing-factor reasoning-factor thinking-factor cognizing-factor intellecting-factor ratiocinating-factor deducing-factor inferring-factor concluding-factor judging-factor evaluating-factor assessing-factor appraising-factor estimating-factor calculating-factor computing-factor reckoning-factor counting-factor numbering-factor quantifying-factor measuring-factor weighing-factor scaling-factor grading-factor ranking-factor rating-factor scoring-factor marking-factor classifying-factor categorizing-factor grouping-factor sorting-factor sequencing-factor prioritizing-factor preferring-factor choosing-factor selecting-factor picking-factor electing-factor opting-factor deciding-factor resolving-factor settling-factor fixing-factor establishing-factor instituting-factor founding-factor making-factor producing-factor generating-factor originating-factor initiating-factor starting-factor beginning-factor commencing-factor opening-factor launching-factor introducing-factor bringing-factor leading-factor guiding-factor directing-factor managing-factor administering-factor ruling-factor commanding-factor dictating-factor prescribing-factor instructing-factor teaching-factor educating-factor training-factor conditioning-factor preparing-factor readying-factor equipping-factor arming-factor providing-factor supplying-factor furnishing-factor bestowing-factor conferring-factor granting-factor awarding-factor presenting-factor offering-factor proposing-factor suggesting-factor recommending-factor advising-factor counseling-factor consulting-factor discussing-factor talking-factor speaking-factor saying-factor telling-factor informing-factor notifying-factor reporting-factor announcing-factor proclaiming-factor publishing-factor issuing-factor circulating-factor broadcasting-factor dispatching-factor posting-factor mailing-factor shipping-factor conveying-factor delivering-factor accepting-factor getting-factor obtaining-factor acquiring-factor gaining-factor earning-factor winning-factor achieving-factor attaining-factor reaching-factor arriving-factor coming-factor approaching-factor nearing-factor closing-factor ending-factor finishing-factor completing-factor terminating-factor stopping-factor ceasing-factor halting-factor pausing-factor waiting-factor staying-factor remaining-factor continuing-factor persisting-factor lasting-factor enduring-factor surviving-factor living-factor existing-factor being-factor occurring-factor happening-factor taking-place-factor transpiring-factor resulting-factor ensuing-factor following-factor succeeding-factor preceding-factor anteceding-factor leading-to-factor causing-factor effecting-factor bringing-about-factor giving-rise-to-factor stemming-from-factor arising-from-factor resulting-from-factor deriving-from-factor originating-from-factor coming-from-factor emerging-from-factor springing-from-factor flowing-from-factor following-from-factor according-to-factor depending-on-factor relying-on-factor resting-on-factor based-on-factor grounded-on-factor founded-on-factor built-on-factor constructed-on-factor erected-on-factor established-on-factor set-up-on-factor installed-on-factor placed-on-factor put-on-factor laid-on-factor settled-on-factor located-on-factor situated-on-factor positioned-on-factor stationed-on-factor posted-on-factor assigned-to-factor allotted-to-factor apportioned-to-factor distributed-to-factor given-to-factor granted-to-factor awarded-to-factor conferred-on-factor bestowed-on-factor presented-to-factor offered-to-factor proposed-to-factor suggested-to-factor recommended-to-factor advised-to-factor counseled-to-factor consulted-with-factor conferred-with-factor discussed-with-factor talked-with-factor spoken-with-factor said-to-factor told-to-factor informed-of-factor notified-of-factor reported-to-factor announced-to-factor proclaimed-to-factor published-to-factor issued-to-factor released-to-factor circulated-to-factor broadcast-to-factor transmitted-to-factor sent-to-factor dispatched-to-factor posted-to-factor mailed-to-factor shipped-to-factor transported-to-factor conveyed-to-factor delivered-to-factor received-by-factor accepted-by-factor taken-by-factor gotten-by-factor obtained-by-factor acquired-by-factor gained-by-factor earned-by-factor won-by-factor achieved-by-factor attained-by-factor reached-by-factor arrived-at-by-factor come-to-by-factor approached-by-factor neared-by-factor closed-by-factor ended-by-factor finished-by-factor completed-by-factor concluded-by-factor terminated-by-factor stopped-by-factor ceased-by-factor halted-by-factor paused-by-factor waited-by-factor stayed-by-factor remained-by-factor continued-by-factor persisted-by-factor lasted-by-factor endured-by-factor survived-by-factor lived-by-factor existed-by-factor been-by-factor occurred-to-factor happened-to-factor taken-place-with-factor transpired-with-factor resulted-from-factor ensued-from-factor followed-from-factor succeeded-to-factor preceded-by-factor anteceded-by-factor led-to-by-factor caused-by-factor produced-by-factor effected-by-factor brought-about-by-factor given-rise-to-by-factor stemmed-from-factor arisen-from-factor derived-from-factor originated-from-factor come-from-factor emerged-from-factor sprung-from-factor flowed-from-factor accorded-to-factor depended-on-by-factor relied-on-by-factor rested-on-by-factor based-on-by-factor grounded-on-by-factor founded-on-by-factor built-on-by-factor constructed-on-by-factor erected-on-by-factor established-on-by-factor set-up-on-by-factor installed-on-by-factor placed-on-by-factor put-on-by-factor laid-on-by-factor settled-on-by-factor located-on-by-factor situated-on-by-factor positioned-on-by-factor stationed-on-by-factor posted-on-by-factor assigned-to-by-factor allotted-to-by-factor apportioned-to-by-factor distributed-to-by-factor given-to-by-factor granted-to-by-factor awarded-to-by-factor conferred-on-by-factor bestowed-on-by-factor presented-to-by-factor offered-to-by-factor proposed-to-by-factor suggested-to-by-factor recommended-to-by-factor advised-to-by-factor counseled-to-by-factor consulted-with-by-factor conferred-with-by-factor discussed-with-by-factor talked-with-by-factor spoken-with-by-factor said-to-by-factor told-to-by-factor informed-of-by-factor notified-of-by-factor reported-to-by-factor announced-to-by-factor proclaimed-to-by-factor published-to-by-factor issued-to-by-factor released-to-by-factor circulated-to-by-factor broadcast-to-by-factor transmitted-to-by-factor sent-to-by-factor dispatched-to-by-factor posted-to-by-factor mailed-to-by-factor shipped-to-by-factor transported-to-by-factor conveyed-to-by-factor delivered-to-by-factor received-at-factor accepted-at-factor taken-at-factor gotten-at-factor obtained-at-factor acquired-at-factor gained-at-factor earned-at-factor won-at-factor achieved-at-factor attained-at-factor reached-at-factor arrived-at-factor come-at-factor approached-at-factor neared-at-factor closed-at-factor ended-at-factor finished-at-factor completed-at-factor concluded-at-factor terminated-at-factor stopped-at-factor ceased-at-factor halted-at-factor paused-at-factor waited-at-factor stayed-at-factor remained-at-factor continued-at-factor persisted-at-factor lasted-at-factor endured-at-factor survived-at-factor lived-at-factor existed-at-factor been-at-factor occurred-at-factor happened-at-factor taken-place-at-factor transpired-at-factor resulted-at-factor ensued-at-factor followed-at-factor succeeded-at-factor preceded-at-factor anteceded-at-factor led-to-at-factor caused-at-factor produced-at-factor effected-at-factor brought-about-at-factor given-rise-to-at-factor stemmed-at-factor arisen-at-factor derived-at-factor originated-at-factor emerged-at-factor sprung-at-factor flowed-at-factor accorded-at-factor depended-at-factor relied-at-factor rested-at-factor based-at-factor grounded-at-factor founded-at-factor built-at-factor constructed-at-factor erected-at-factor established-at-factor set-up-at-factor installed-at-factor placed-at-factor put-at-factor laid-at-factor settled-at-factor located-at-factor situated-at-factor positioned-at-factor stationed-at-factor posted-at-factor assigned-at-factor allotted-at-factor apportioned-at-factor distributed-at-factor given-at-factor granted-at-factor awarded-at-factor conferred-at-factor bestowed-at-factor presented-at-factor offered-at-factor proposed-at-factor suggested-at-factor recommended-at-factor advised-at-factor counseled-at-factor consulted-at-factor discussed-at-factor talked-at-factor spoken-at-factor said-at-factor told-at-factor informed-at-factor notified-at-factor reported-at-factor announced-at-factor proclaimed-at-factor published-at-factor issued-at-factor released-at-factor circulated-at-factor broadcast-at-factor transmitted-at-factor sent-at-factor dispatched-at-factor mailed-at-factor shipped-at-factor transported-at-factor conveyed-at-factor delivered-at-factor
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-species social-wasp paper-wasp predator pollinator urban-ecology eusocial nest-construction biological-control thermal-biology spatial-learning vibrational-communication aposematism honest-signal overwintering diapause Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera North-America Europe New-Zealand South-Africa South-America monarch-butterfly caterpillar-predation nest-architecture gyne foundress dominance-hierarchy climate-change-impact energetics metabolic-rate microclimate suburban-habitat anthropogenic ornamental-pest vineyard-pest fruit-damage stinging-insect venom poison-gland warning-coloration Zahavian-signal Strepsiptera parasitoid Xenos behavioral-plasticity foraging learning memory thermoregulation ectothermy endothermy solar-radiation nest-temperature brood-development colony-survival multiple-founding single-founding season-length latitude temperate Mediterranean hibernacle overwintering-costs climate-warming range-expansion competition native-species-displacement biodiversity-impact conservation management control integrated-pest-management IPM identification antennae-color facial-markings caste reproduction male female sexual-dimorphism antennae abdomen wing mandible saliva paper comb cell pedicel trophallaxis larva pupa adult worker queen subordinate dominant aggression defense threat-display sting toxicity brightness coloration predator-avoidance prey caterpillar Lepidoptera butterfly moth garden agriculture vineyard orchard urban suburban rural forest habitat-preference temperature metabolism quiescence torpor survival fitness colony nest population abundance distribution range expansion invasion establishment introduction biotic-interaction trophic-cascade herbivory-suppression plant-fitness milkweed Danaus-plexippus monarch Nelson Tasman ecosystem-impact conservation-management biological-invasion ecology behavior physiology morphology taxonomy systematics nomenclature gender-agreement Latin Christ 1791 Vespa-dominula basionym catalogue-of-life GBIF iNaturalist observation citizen-science photography illustration field-guide orange black yellow red color-pattern size wing-length body compact legs short face square triangular dark curled straight elbowed blunt pointed tip Zahavian costly-signal hunt forage nectar honeydew aphid scale-insect flower grape umbellifer fennel lovage insect meatball feed emerge chew cap hexagonal wood-fiber bark exposed open umbrella stalk ant repellent substance coat protect location eave attic tree branch vine shrub cavity bird-box bee-hive shed grave-lantern overwinter shelter protected thermal climate cold winter spring summer autumn fall season month day activity defend threat display raise tiptoe social dominance hierarchy reproductive egg lay found cooperate compete selfish passive-aggressive individual recognition facial-marking cognition mushroom-body brain intelligent artist architect navigation plasticity spatial relocating food resource dish bait training experience vibration communication signal substrate-borne abdominal wagging oscillation secretion modulation perceive react movement attention feeding inspection body-temperature ambient solar radiation metabolic cost energetic expenditure efficiency warming change impact increase invasive spread success competitive ability flexibility adaptation reaction response condition year variation productivity founding single multiple rate benefit cooperation predation parasitism vesparum stylopid stylopization parasite host infestation mite Acari wasp fly effect community decline Danaus plexippus mortality instar early late larger smaller vulnerable resistant discovery chance contact direct recruitment nestmate site cascading trophic cascade herbivory suppression plant growth production Asclepias net exclusion experiment outcome suggestion strong detrimental ecosystem strategy method development protection biodiversity region first 2016 recent established exotic congener chinensis longer comparison higher lower greatest area built structure native unsuccessful translocate unable thrive warmer origin contributor factor research thesis insight behaviour knowledge direction aid effective journal publication DOI 10.26686 wgtn 14538585 v1 University Wellington Victoria MSc student dissertation study investigation analysis data field resident report local indirect interaction level function service provision natural pest biocontrol ornamental decorative crop damage fruit cherry western Colorado at least ripening choice preference height ground strata microsite environment closed habitat dense vegetation surrounding bush Patagonia Argentina Chile NW detected 2003 sympatric coexistence overlap minimal facilitation behavioral process interspecific semi-urban poorly studied species Hypodynerus labiatus new light finding contribution understanding collecting anthropized highlight importance consideration Ethology 10.1111 eth 13505 abstract only limited detail full text required 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ReplyDelete RepliesReplyOut prairieSeptember 8:02 keeping cabbage worm seen RepliesReplyAnonymousSeptember 13 2:06 PM becoming here Upper Peninsula Michigan pendulum seems swung ago everywhere vanishingly rare haven't again house right RepliesReplyL.R ShimerSeptember 4:35 head gal work everybody else kinda egalitarian RepliesReplyLarryMay 9:34 directed Bev Wigney BTW lived NE Missouri detailed presented Thanks cogent scientifically accurate summary insect's life-cycle RepliesBug EricMay 3:47 kind compliments Delete RepliesReplyReplyAdd commentLoad Blog currently reply reader himself Working resolve Newer Older Subscribe Atom Demonized hosting 4 p.m.Saturday Jan 20 Room 1124 Academic Surge 455 Crocker Lane campus Attendees chat check 50,000 vespid eight-million free friendly Parking estimate 2000 described inhabit 500 undescribed headline-grabbing giant Vespa mandarinia formerly Asian news media dubbed murder hornet confuse identify sheet example hidden rodent burrow wall huge 100,00 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Pseudomyrmex leptosus
Parasitic Twig Ant
Pseudomyrmex leptosus is a workerless social parasite in the genus Pseudomyrmex, first described by Ward in 1985. The species has completely lost its worker caste, a rare condition among ants. It is known from Florida in the United States. As an inquiline social parasite, it lives within the colonies of host ant species.
workerless social-parasite inquiline endemic United-States
Sarcophaga sarraceniae
Sarcophaga sarraceniae is a flesh fly in the family Sarcophagidae, first described by Riley in 1874. The species name refers to its association with pitcher plants (Sarracenia), indicating a specialized ecological relationship. Like other members of the genus Sarcophaga, this species exhibits the characteristic gray thorax with three longitudinal black stripes and checkered abdominal pattern typical of flesh flies. The specific epithet 'sarraceniae' distinguishes it as one of the few sarcophagid species with a documented specialized association with carnivorous plants.
flesh-fly pitcher-plant inquiline wetland carnivorous-plant-association ovoviviparity
Sciota carneella
Willow Gall Inquiline Moth
Sciota carneella is a small moth in the family Pyralidae, commonly known as the Willow Gall Inquiline Moth. The species has been documented in Manitoba, Canada, with 44 observations recorded on iNaturalist. As an inquiline, it is associated with willow galls, though specific details of this relationship remain poorly documented. The genus Sciota includes several species associated with leaf-rolling caterpillars.
inquiline willow-associated data-deficient
Sphiximorpha loewii
Orange Wasp Fly
Sphiximorpha loewii is a rare North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly called the Orange Wasp Fly. The species exhibits pronounced wasp mimicry, with an orange and black color pattern that resembles vespid wasps. It is one of the most poorly documented members of the genus Sphiximorpha, with only a handful of verified observations recorded. The genus Sphiximorpha is notable for its highly specialized larval biology, with most species developing as inquilines in the nests of social wasps.
mimicry inquiline rare wasp-mimic Syrphidae
Synergini
inquiline gall wasps
Synergini is a tribe of inquiline gall wasps in the family Cynipidae. Members have lost the ability to induce their own galls and instead inhabit galls created by other cynipid wasps, primarily those in tribe Cynipini. The tribe includes genera such as Synergus, Saphonecrus, Lithosaphonecrus, and Ufo. Most species are associated with oaks (Quercus) and related Fagaceae. A 2015 taxonomic revision transferred three former Synergini genera to other tribes: Ceroptres to its own tribe Ceroptresini, and Periclistus and Synophromorpha to Diastrophini.
inquiline gall-wasp Cynipidae oak Fagaceae evolutionary-reversal speciation molecular-phylogenetics Eastern-Palearctic New-World seasonality host-shift arrhenotoky locularities
Synergus
inquiline oak gall wasps
Synergus is a genus of inquiline gall wasps in the tribe Synergini (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae). Most species develop within galls induced by other cynipid wasps on oaks (Quercus), though some inhabit galls on chestnuts (Castanea). The genus is distributed worldwide, with notable diversity in the New World and Eastern Palaearctic. One species, S. itoensis, has independently evolved the ability to induce its own galls inside oak acorns, representing a rare transition from inquilinism to gall induction. Species are morphologically grouped by fore wing radial cell structure and mesopleural sculpture.
inquiline gall-wasp oak cynipid evolution genomics ethological-isolation New-World-endemism life-history-transition
Tamaliinae
Tamaliinae is a small subfamily of aphids (Aphididae) containing the Nearctic genus Tamalia. Members are obligate gall-formers on woody plants in the family Ericaceae, including Arctostaphylos, Arbutus, and Comarostaphylis. The subfamily exhibits social behavior, with foundresses co-occupying galls and high relatedness among colony members. Some species act as inquilines, acting as obligate parasites within galls of other Tamalia species.
gall-forming social-insects Ericaceae Nearctic inquiline clonal-reproduction apterous alate viviparous oviparous
Trimium
ant-loving beetles
Trimium is a genus of myrmecophilous rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, containing over 20 described species. These small beetles are specialized associates of ant colonies, living as inquilines within ant nests. The genus is placed in the tribe Trichonychini and is distributed across parts of northern Europe.
myrmecophilous Pselaphinae Staphylinidae rove-beetle inquiline ant-associate
Vespula infernalis
cuckoo yellowjacket, American cuckoo yellowjacket
Vespula infernalis is an obligate social parasite (inquiline) that invades and usurps colonies of other yellowjacket species, primarily Vespula acadica in North America. Unlike most parasitic wasps, it exhibits intensely aggressive behavior during colony takeover, using specialized morphological adaptations including a large, heavily curved stinger to subdue host workers. The species lacks a worker caste and cannot build nests or rear its own young, instead forcing host workers to feed and care for its brood through dominance behaviors including mauling and forced trophallaxis.
social-parasite inquiline cuckoo-wasp yellowjacket aggressive-parasitism Vespula Hymenoptera Nearctic boreal-forest Vespula-acadica forced-trophallaxis mauling-behavior curved-stinger no-worker-caste obligate-parasitism Dufour's-gland oogenesis-suppression fourth-mandibular-tooth Kimsey-&-Carpenter-2012 Vespula-austriaca-sister-species short-flight-season June-to-September Canada United-States Alaska New-Jersey Michigan Wisconsin North-Dakota New-Mexico Arizona California stable-population subterranean-nests host-queen-usurpation host-worker-manipulation reproductive-monopoly venom-paralyzes-hosts minimal-foraging no-nest-construction no-thermoregulation-behavior egg-laying-on-comb-exterior autumn-queen-production longer-hibernation-than-hosts preusurpation-phase queen-reared-worker-stage-invasion post-emergence-colony-stage-invasion patrol-behavior cell-inspection dominance-assertion evolutionary-strategy-kill-older-workers-first worker-oviposition-suppression gastral-dragging oophagy-absent trophallaxis-solicitation forced-feeding-1-43-seconds venom-LD50-20-30-mg/kg-workers venom-LD50-81-mg/kg-queens venom-not-more-lethal-than-non-parasitic-congeners Dufour's-gland-hypertrophy clear-oily-gland-material reproductive-organs-include-ovaries-poison-gland-Dufour's-gland new-fall-wasps-empty-gland older-wasps-flat-gland-with-little-oil oviposition-interrupted-by-workers mauling-response-to-interruption 2012-species-recognition pre-2012-literature-as-V.-austriaca Nearctic-endemic boreal-region-specialist host-nest-size-reduction ecosystem-impact-through-host-suppression Chris-Alice-Kratzer-The-Social-Wasps-of-North-America iNaturalist-observations GBIF-accepted-taxonomy de-Saussure-1854-original-description Kimsey-Carpenter-2012-revision Vespidae-family Hymenoptera-order Insecta-class Arthropoda-phylum Animalia-kingdom species-rank cuckoo-yellowjacket-common-name American-cuckoo-yellowjacket-alternative-name 76-iNaturalist-observations stable-conservation-status not-rare-throughout-range all-Canadian-provinces-territories western-US-distribution eastern-US-distribution subterranean-host-nests rotting-stump-host-nests enclosed-space-host-nests queen-paralysis-during-usurpation worker-injury-during-invasion antennal-damage leg-damage host-queen-mandible-restraint host-worker-mandible-defense alarm-pheromone-context multiple-stings-limited barbed-stinger-present stinger-loss-during-attack fatal-attack-sacrifice venom-evolution-vertebrate-pain Schmidt-Sting-Pain-Index-not-rated ice-treatment-for-stings allergic-reaction-medical-attention desensitization-therapy-available pest-control-commercial-operators aerosol-spray-evening-application nest-avoidance-recommended nest-elimination-if-threatening clear-bottles-drink-safety drink-boxes-straws-children picnic-trash-container-avoidance food-covering-recruitment-reduction gentle-brushing-vs-swatting alarm-pheromone-release chemical-attack-signal walking-away-escape-strategy bush-walking-evasion-tactic late-summer-autumn-aggression colony-size-thousands-workers football-size-nests perennial-nests-southern-states Volkswagen-Beetle-nest-reports multiple-queens-perennial-colonies Hawaiian-invasive-V.-pensylvanica-context German-yellowjacket-V.-germanica-context Eastern-yellowjacket-V.-maculifrons-context Southern-yellowjacket-V.-squamosa-context Western-yellowjacket-V.-pensylvanica-context paper-wasp-Polistes-dominula-context European-paper-wasp-introduced Western-yellowjacket-not-Pennsylvania species-name-mislabel-origin yellowjacket-diversity-208-species 22-genera-social-wasps 900-color-illustrations-field-guide iNaturalist-community-science-platform Cornell-University-Insect-Collection-research taxonomic-paper-reading genetic-barcode-software-alignment 1000-hours-iNaturalist-observations Owlfly-LLC-publishing mechanical-engineering-background climate-change-mitigation-focus natural-pest-control-ecosystem-service pollination-ecosystem-service caterpillar-prey-primary-food grasshopper-cricket-katydid-moth-butterfly-beetle-fly-earthworm-lanternfly-cockroach-smaller-wasp-small-spider-cicada-prey tiny-waist-liquid-feeding-constraint mandible-prey-dismemberment larval-secretion-dependency-other-queens V.-infernalis-liquid-food-dependency host-worker-secretion-solicitation minimal-larval-solicitation forceful-feeding-foreleg-grabbing comb-pushing-aggressive-feeding trophallaxis-intensity-decline-later-stages worker-escape-forced-encounters short-trophallaxis-1-5-seconds long-trophallaxis-43-seconds venom-apparatus-shaft-aculeus-Dufour's-gland-venom-glands venom-reservoir-size-largest-females Dufour's-gland-size-largest-females oily-venom-extraction-experiment V.-pensylvanica-worker-venom-test V.-pensylvanica-queen-venom-test venom-paralysis-flying-impairment venom-third-supply-worker-kill venom-queen-kill-more-required venom-lethality-comparable-non-parasites Dufour's-gland-material-no-poison reproductive-organ-complex preusurpation-gland-clear-oily new-fall-wasp-gland-empty-flat older-wasp-gland-flat-little-oil hypertrophy-evidence-needed oviposition-brief-period egg-placement-varied-locations worker-interruption-rare-instance egg-loss-from-cell brood-care-host-worker-exclusive no-parasite-brood-care no-parasite-foraging-behavior no-parasite-nest-building no-parasite-larval-feeding no-parasite-thermoregulation-fanning no-parasite-warming-postures enemy-attack-parasite-remains-inside no-parasite-nest-defense reproductive-suppression-evidence-multiple worker-oogenesis-halt-substances oviposition-site-patrolling aggression-reduced-with-suppression reproductive-monopoly-assertion evolutionary-favorable-strategy-older-worker-elimination younger-worker-retention-brood-care dominance-display-early-occupation dominance-display-absent-later mauling-post-trophallaxis solicitation-chasing-initiation rare-foraging-observation no-cell-building-observation no-larval-feeding-observation no-thermoregulation-assistance-observation internal-nest-retention-enemy-attack worker-oviposition-absence-parasitized-nests aggression-reduction-expectation-contrast mauling-behavior-reduction-indication frequent-aggression-reproductive-monopoly cell-patrol-oviposition-defense Dufour's-gland-oogenesis-prevention substance-release-gastral-dragging effective-worker-reproduction-halt normal-worker-oviposition-aggression-absent parasite-behavior-evidence-synthesis morphological-adaptation-summary behavioral-adaptation-summary ecological-interaction-summary taxonomic-history-summary distribution-range-summary seasonal-activity-summary life-history-summary human-interaction-null conservation-status-stable research-needs-Dufour's-gland-hypertrophy research-needs-venom-composition research-needs-population-impact field-guide-coverage-Kratzer-2020 observation-platform-iNaturalist-76-records taxonomic-authority-GBIF-accepted original-description-Saussure-1854 modern-revision-Kimsey-Carpenter-2012 literature-update-lag-pre-2012-sources sister-species-austriaca-distinction morphological-convergence-austriaca biological-convergence-austriaca geographic-separation-Nearctic-Palearctic host-specificity-acadica-primary host-range-potential-other-Vespula invasion-timing-queen-reared-worker-stage invasion-vulnerability-host-nest-stage post-emergence-colony-stage-alternative host-defense-worker-aggression-variation host-queen-aggression-variation parasite-success-factors-morphological parasite-success-factors-behavioral parasite-success-factors-timing colony-takeover-mechanism-physical-combat colony-takeover-mechanism-chemical-dominance colony-maintenance-mechanism-behavioral-suppression colony-maintenance-mechanism-reproductive-monopoly energetic-strategy-forced-feeding energetic-strategy-minimal-investment reproductive-strategy-egg-placement-variation reproductive-strategy-brief-oviposition-window developmental-strategy-host-worker-dependency social-structure-absence-worker-caste social-structure-queen-only-parasite social-structure-host-worker-exploitation evolutionary-context-inquiline-specialization evolutionary-context-parasitic-wasp-diversity evolutionary-context-Vespula-radiation ecological-context-boreal-forest-community ecological-context-host-parasite-dynamics ecological-context-colony-size-impact management-context-nest-avoidance management-context-professional-control management-context-safety-precautions public-health-sting-avoidance public-health-allergic-response public-health-venom-toxicity education-context-species-recognition education-context-literature-awareness education-context-taxonomic-updates
Volucella
hover-flies, flower flies
Volucella is a genus of large, broad-bodied hoverflies in the family Syrphidae. These flies are notable for their Batesian mimicry of stinging Hymenoptera—particularly bumble bees and hornets—which provides protection from predators. Adults are regular flower visitors that feed on nectar, while larvae develop as inquilines in the nests of social bees and wasps, functioning as detritivores and predators of host larvae. The genus exhibits strong migratory behavior and males are often territorial.
mimicry inquiline pollinator hoverfly syrphid migratory territorial detritivore predator social-insect-associate
Volucella evecta
Eastern Swiftwing
Volucella evecta, commonly known as the eastern swiftwing, is an uncommon hoverfly native to eastern North America. Once considered a subspecies of Volucella bombylans, genetic evidence has established it as a distinct species. This species exhibits Batesian mimicry, closely resembling bumble bees to avoid predation. Adults are known pollinators that visit flowering plants including Geum, Viburnum, and Rubus.
hoverfly syrphid bumblebee-mimic Batesian-mimicry pollinator inquiline North-America
Volucella facialis
Yellow-faced Swiftwing
Volucella facialis is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, commonly known as the Yellow-faced Swiftwing. It belongs to a genus noted for Batesian mimicry of bumble bees and wasps. Like other Volucella species, it is an inquiline, laying eggs in the nests of social bees and wasps where larvae consume host brood. The species is found in North America, with records from Vermont and other parts of the United States.
hoverfly syrphid mimicry inquiline pollinator parasitoid
Walkerella
Walkerella is a genus of non-pollinating fig wasps in the family Pteromalidae, subfamily Otitesellinae. It is the most widely distributed genus within its subfamily, with species described from the Old World. Members are associated with Ficus fig trees, specifically species in subsection Conosycea of section Urostigma. Two new species were recently described from Xishuangbanna, China.
fig-wasp non-pollinating-fig-wasp Chalcidoidea Pteromalidae Otitesellinae Ficus-associate Old-World-distribution gall-wasp inquiline
Wyeomyia smithii
Pitcher-plant Mosquito, Pitcher Plant Mosquito
Wyeomyia smithii is a specialized mosquito that completes its entire pre-adult development within the water-filled pitchers of the purple pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea. It is a top predator in this unique microecosystem, where its presence directly influences bacterial species diversity. The species exhibits remarkable geographic variation in blood-feeding behavior: northern populations are entirely non-biting, while some southern populations may blood-feed after producing an initial egg batch. W. smithii has become a model organism for studying photoperiodism and rapid evolutionary response to climate change, with documented shifts in critical photoperiod over recent decades.
inquiline phytotelmata photoperiodism diapause climate-change model-organism mutualism carnivorous-plant-associate
Xenodusa cava
Xenodusa cava is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) distributed across eastern and central North America. It is obligately myrmecophilous, with larvae developing inside ant colonies where they exhibit specialized begging behaviors and feed on ant brood. This species represents a classic example of inquiline symbiosis in beetles.
rove-beetle myrmecophile ant-associate inquiline North-America