Parasitoid
Guides
Cryptanura
Cryptanura is a genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Cryptinae, containing at least 38 species in North America. These wasps are parasitoids of other insects, with documented hosts including longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae). The genus includes species that serve as models for Batesian mimicry by phytophagous bugs. At least 30 species occur in Mexico, with the genus distributed from North America through Central America to South America.
Cryptanura septentrionalis
Cryptanura septentrionalis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Cushman in 1945. The genus Cryptanura belongs to the diverse superfamily Ichneumonoidea, which contains thousands of parasitoid wasp species. As with most ichneumonids, this species is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host associations remain undocumented in available sources. The species epithet "septentrionalis" (Latin for "northern") may indicate a northern distribution relative to congeners, though this has not been verified.
Cryptina
Cryptina is a subtribe of ichneumon wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. Members are parasitoid wasps that attack the larvae of various moth families. The subtribe includes genera such as Mesostenus, which are characterized by bold color patterns and elongated ovipositors in females.
Cryptinae
cryptine wasps, geline wasps
Cryptinae is a large subfamily of ichneumon wasps comprising approximately 273 genera across two tribes (Aptesini and Cryptini). Members are characterized by distinctive morphological features including a five-sided areolet, short sternaulus, and convex clypeus creating a puffy facial appearance. The subfamily has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with the name Cryptinae stabilized by ICZN Opinion 1715 in 1994. Species are distributed worldwide and function as parasitoids, primarily attacking concealed hosts such as caterpillars and other insects in protected substrates.
Cryptocheilus
spider wasps
Cryptocheilus is a genus of spider wasps in the subfamily Pepsinae, occurring primarily in warm regions worldwide. Females construct multicellular nests in pre-existing cavities, provisioning each cell with a paralyzed spider as food for their larvae. The genus includes approximately 24 species in Europe, 6 in North America, and 2 recently described from the Neotropics. Several Australasian species formerly placed here have been transferred to the revived genus Heterodontonyx based on phylogenetic evidence.
Cryptochetidae
Cryptochetidae is a small family of minute flies (2–4 mm) in the order Diptera. Adults are typically metallic blue-black with a stout build, broad high head, and clear wings. The family is distinguished by reduced or absent aristae on the antennae, a trait reflected in its name meaning 'hidden bristles'. Larvae are endoparasitoids of scale insects (Coccidae), with some species used in biological control. Approximately 20–30 species are known across three genera, primarily distributed in tropical regions.
Cryptochetum
Cryptochetum is a genus of parasitoid flies in the family Cryptochetidae, containing more than 30 described species. These flies are specialized parasites of scale insects (Hemiptera), with at least one species, C. jorgepastori, documented as emerging from mealybugs on palms. The genus has been recorded across multiple regions, including a first record from Jordan in 2022.
Cryptochetum iceryae
cottony cushion scale parasite, cottony cushion scale parasitoid
Cryptochetum iceryae is a parasitic fly in the family Cryptochetidae, native to Australia. It was deliberately introduced to California in the 1880s as a biological control agent against the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), a major pest of citrus crops. The species has since been introduced to Israel and South America for similar purposes. In 2019, it was discovered in the United Kingdom for the first time, identified in the wildlife garden at the Natural History Museum in London.
biological-controlparasitoidagricultural-pest-managementDipteraCryptochetidaeclassical-biological-controlcitrus-pestinvasive-species-managementAustralia-native1880s-introductionCaliforniaIsraelSouth-AmericaUnited-Kingdom-2019-discoveryNatural-History-Museum-Londonscale-insect-parasiteendoparasitoidIcerya-purchasicottony-cushion-scalesuccessful-biocontrolintegrated-pest-managementvedalia-beetle-complementWilliston-1888Lestophonus-iceryaeCryptomeigenia
Cryptomeigenia is a genus of tachinid flies comprising 17 described species. Members are parasitoids of adult scarab beetles, with documented host specificity to Phyllophaga rufotestacea in at least one studied population. The genus was established by Brauer & Bergenstamm in 1891 and is classified within the tribe Blondeliini.
Cryptomeigenia dubia
Cryptomeigenia dubia is a species of tachinid fly described by Curran in 1926. As a member of the Tachinidae family, it is a parasitoid fly whose larvae develop inside other insects. The genus Cryptomeigenia belongs to the tribe Blondeliini within the subfamily Exoristinae. Records indicate its presence in North America, though detailed biological information appears limited.
Cryptomeigenia illinoiensis
Cryptomeigenia illinoiensis is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae. The species was described by Townsend in 1892 and is currently accepted in taxonomic databases. As a member of the subfamily Exoristinae and tribe Blondeliini, it belongs to a group of parasitoid flies that develop in or on other insects. The genus Cryptomeigenia contains species that are known parasitoids of various insect hosts.
Cryptopimpla amblipennis
Cryptopimpla amblipennis is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Cryptinae. Members of the genus Cryptopimpla are parasitoid wasps, and this species is presumed to share this biology, though specific host associations for C. amblipennis remain undocumented. The species was described in the early 20th century based on morphological characteristics. It represents one of many poorly studied species within a large and taxonomically complex family.
Cryptopimpla quadrilineata jocosa
A subspecies of ichneumonid wasp in the genus Cryptopimpla, originally described by Cresson in 1870. As a member of the Ichneumonidae, it is a parasitoid wasp. The subspecies name "jocosa" suggests a Latin origin meaning "playful" or "merry," though the etymological basis for this naming is not documented in available sources.
Cryptoxilos
Cryptoxilos is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Euphorinae, established by Henry Lorenz Viereck in 1911 with C. dichromorphus as the type species. The genus contains eight described species distributed across multiple continents. Members are known to parasitize adult bark beetles (Scolytinae, Coleoptera), with documented associations including Chaetoptelius mundulus in New Zealand and Hypothenemus species in Fiji.
Cryptus moschator
Cryptus moschator is a species of ichneumon wasp described by Fabricius in 1787. It belongs to the large family Ichneumonidae, which comprises parasitoid wasps that develop on or within other insects. The species has been documented in northwestern Europe, with confirmed records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Available information on this species is limited, reflecting its rarity in collections and limited study.
Cryptus moschator iroquois
Cryptus moschator iroquois is a subspecies of ichneumonid wasp described by Viereck in 1917. It belongs to the genus Cryptus, a group of parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. The subspecies epithet 'iroquois' suggests a connection to the Iroquois region or peoples, though the specific etymology is not documented in available sources. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, but specific host associations and biological details remain undocumented.
Ctenichneumon
Ctenichneumon is a genus of ichneumon wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Thomson in 1894. These wasps are parasitoids, with females possessing an ovipositor used to deposit eggs into host organisms. The genus is documented from northern Europe, with records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Ctenichneumon columbianus
Ctenichneumon columbianus is a species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, described by Heinrich in 1961. The genus Ctenichneumon belongs to the subfamily Ichneumoninae, a diverse group of parasitoid wasps. Species in this genus are characterized by distinctive comb-like structures on the hind tibiae. Like other ichneumonids, C. columbianus is presumed to be a parasitoid of other insects, though specific host records for this species are not well documented.
Ctenopelmatinae
Ctenopelmatinae is a cosmopolitan subfamily of ichneumonid wasps comprising approximately 95 genera of koinobiont endoparasitoids. Members are small to medium-sized wasps that primarily attack sawflies (Symphyta), with some species parasitizing Lepidoptera. The subfamily was historically classified within Tryphoninae but was separated based on larval morphology and ecological traits. Ctenopelmatines are particularly abundant in temperate Holarctic regions, where they can constitute over 10% of local ichneumonid faunas in cooler areas.
Ctenopelmatini
Ctenopelmatini is a tribe of ichneumonid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae. Members are parasitoid wasps whose larvae develop within or on host organisms. The tribe is characterized by specific morphological traits of the forewing venation and ctenopelmatine-type ovipositor structure. Ctenopelmatini species are primarily associated with sawfly hosts (Symphyta), distinguishing them ecologically from many other ichneumonid tribes. The tribe is relatively small and poorly documented compared to larger ichneumonid tribes.
Cuterebra approximata
bot fly, rodent bot fly
Cuterebra approximata is a New World skin bot fly (family Oestridae) whose natural host is the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus). First instar larvae enter the host through the external auditory meatus and migrate to the dorsal body region, where they form subcutaneous warbles. Larvae develop through three instars from July through September before exiting to pupate in soil. Adults are extremely short-lived, lacking functional mouthparts, and are active for approximately two weeks in late June to early July.
Cuterebra austeni
Cuterebra austeni is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The adult flies are large, bumble bee-sized insects with distinctive black and white coloration. Like other Cuterebra species, adults lack functional mouthparts and live only briefly, fueled entirely by larval fat reserves. The species has been documented exhibiting hilltopping behavior in Arizona, where males gather at elevated sites to locate females.
Cuterebra fontinella
mouse bot fly
Cuterebra fontinella, commonly known as the mouse bot fly, is a New World oestrid fly that parasitizes small mammals, particularly the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus). Adults are short-lived, non-feeding, and resemble bumble bees in appearance. Females lay eggs on vegetation near host burrows; larvae enter through natural orifices or wounds, migrate internally, and develop subcutaneous warbles typically located in the inguinal region. The species exhibits bimodal seasonal activity with summer and autumn population peaks. Though primarily a rodent parasite, rare human cases of myiasis have been documented.
Cuterebra fontinella grisea
Cuterebra fontinella grisea is a subspecies of New World skin bot fly (family Oestridae) that parasitizes small mammals, particularly white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). The larvae develop subcutaneously in the host, forming large warbles that can reach 5% of the host's body weight. Despite the conspicuous nature of these parasitic infections, studies indicate that infected mice may actually live longer than non-infected individuals, suggesting a relatively benign host-parasite relationship attributed to long evolutionary co-adaptation. Adults are short-lived, lack functional mouthparts, and are rarely encountered in the field.
Cuterebra jellisoni
Cuterebra jellisoni is a species of New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The species is a parasitoid of lagomorphs, specifically documented from the black-tailed jackrabbit subspecies Lepus californicus deserticola. Like other Cuterebra species, it develops as a subcutaneous parasite of mammals, with larvae creating warbles beneath the host's skin. Adults are non-feeding and short-lived, focused solely on reproduction.
Cuterebra tenebrosa
rodent bot fly, pack rat botfly
Cuterebra tenebrosa, commonly known as the rodent bot fly or pack rat botfly, is a New World skin bot fly in the family Oestridae. The species is a specialized parasite of bushy-tailed wood rats (Neotoma cinerea). Adult males exhibit distinctive territorial aggregation behavior near host habitats, establishing territories over heat-reflecting surfaces and engaging in aerial defense against intruders. The species demonstrates complex life history traits including temperature-dependent pupal diapause that can extend development up to two years.
Cydia caryana
Hickory Shuckworm Moth
Cydia caryana, the hickory shuckworm moth, is a tortricid moth native to North America and a significant pest of pecan and hickory crops. Larvae tunnel within the shucks of developing nuts, disrupting nutrient and water flow to kernels. The species completes multiple generations annually and overwinters as mature larvae in old shucks. It is subject to biological control by parasitoid wasps, particularly Calliephialtes grapholithae.
Cylindromyia intermedia
Cylindromyia intermedia is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Meigen in 1824. It is a parasitoid fly, meaning females deposit eggs on or near hosts, with larvae developing as internal parasites of other insects. The species has a notably broad distribution spanning North America and large portions of Eurasia.
Cylindromyia interrupta
Cylindromyia interrupta is a small tachinid fly, 6–8 mm in length with a wingspan of 12 mm. It is a parasitoid whose larvae develop inside living hosts, specifically moths and true bugs (Hemiptera). Adults are active from May to August and feed primarily on nectar and pollen of Apiaceae, especially Leucanthemum vulgare. The species is distinguished by its slender body with black thorax, reddish abdomen bearing two silver rings, a wide longitudinal black marking, and black apical tergites.
Cylindromyia propusilla
Cylindromyia propusilla is a species of bristle fly in the family Tachinidae, first described in 1965. It belongs to the subfamily Phasiinae, a group of tachinid flies known for parasitizing true bugs (Hemiptera). The species occurs across North America including Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Cuba. Like other members of its genus, it likely functions as a parasitoid in its life cycle.
Cylindromyiini
Cylindromyiini is a tribe of tachinid flies comprising approximately 17 genera and 200 species. These flies are parasitoids, with larvae developing inside host insects. The tribe was established by Townsend in 1912 and is classified within the subfamily Phasiinae. The genus Penthosia was formerly included but has been reassigned to the tribe Hermyini.
Cylloceriinae
Cylloceriinae is a subfamily of ichneumonid wasps containing two genera. The subfamily is poorly known biologically, with most information limited to taxonomy and distribution. Species in the genus Cylloceria have been recorded from Mexico, Central America, and the Neotropical region. Host associations and detailed biology remain undocumented.
Cymodusa distincta
Cymodusa distincta is a small species of ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1864 and has been documented in Canada, with distribution records from Edmonton and Elbow. It has been observed during blacklighting surveys in spring, suggesting nocturnal activity patterns typical of many ichneumonid wasps.
Cynipoidea
Gall Wasps and Allies
Cynipoidea is a superfamily of small wasps comprising approximately 3,000 described species across seven extant families, with many undescribed species estimated. The group exhibits diverse life histories: while the family Cynipidae (gall wasps) are phytophagous and induce plant galls, the majority of species are parasitoids or hyperparasitoids of other insects. The superfamily is taxonomically challenging, with family-level identification historically difficult until the publication of a comprehensive illustrated key in 2020.
parasitoidgall-formerhyperparasitoidbiological-controloak-forestinquilinealternation-of-generationsundescribed-diversityreduced-wing-venationHymenopteraApocritaecosystem-engineerplant-manipulationforest-insectagricultural-pest-controlDrosophila-suzukiiaphid-hyperparasitoidwood-borer-parasitoiddung-breeding-fly-parasitoidtaxonomic-keygall-communitynutrient-cyclingphenologysexual-dimorphismparthenogenesiskoinobiontidiobiontPalaearctic-diversityNearctic-diversityMediterranean-hotspotoak-gallrosinweed-gallgoldenrod-gallintroduced-speciesadventive-faunaNew-Zealand-faunaTurkish-faunabroadleaf-forestprairie-habitatagricultural-systemsoft-fruit-pestintegrated-pest-managementbiocontrol-agentextension-entomologymicrohymenopteramorphological-keycouplet-identificationmetasomal-fusionpetiole-reductionglossy-integumentcompressed-bodyprognathous-headflagellomere-reductionnotauli-reductionpterostigma-presencehamuli-presenceovipositor-structurehypopygium-developmentlarval-chamberlocularity-formationhost-genome-exploitationroom-service-nutritiondefensive-immune-suppressionSWD-biocontroleucoiline-waspcharipine-hyperparasitoidanacharitine-parasitoidemarginine-parasitoidfigitine-parasitoidibaliine-parasitoidliopterine-parasitoiddiplolepidine-gall-formerpediaspine-gall-formeraulacideine-gall-formeraylacine-gall-formerceroptresine-inquilinecynipine-gall-formerdiastrophine-gall-formereschatocerine-gall-formerphanacidine-gall-formerqwaqwaiine-gall-formersynergine-inquilineBeringian-biogeographyEocene-forest-separationclimate-change-habitat-shiftphenological-form-associationearly-oak-phenoformlate-oak-phenoformQuercus-robur-gall-communityQuercus-cerris-gall-communityQuercus-ilex-gall-communityAsteraceae-gall-formerEucalyptus-gall-formerRosaceae-gall-formerFagaceae-gall-formerBrevicoryne-brassicae-hyperparasitoidAphidiinae-hyperparasitoidAphelinus-hyperparasitoidOphelimus-parasitoidMikeius-parasitoidAntistrophus-gall-formerNeuroterus-gall-formerAndricus-gall-formerCynips-gall-formerDiplolepis-gall-formerCallirhytis-gall-formerSaphonecrus-inquilineSynergus-inquilineLithosaphonecrus-inquilineCerroneuroterus-gall-formerParaganaspis-parasitoidTriplasta-parasitoidConeucoela-parasitoidAlloxysta-hyperparasitoidPhaenoglyphis-hyperparasitoidXyalaspis-adventiveGanaspis-adventiveThoreauella-adventiveAnacharis-nativeKleidotoma-nativeTrybliographa-groupKleidotoma-groupGronotoma-groupRhoptromeris-groupGanaspis-groupChrestosema-groupZaeucoila-groupAfrotropical-lineageNeotropical-lineageleaf-mining-agromyzid-parasitoidagromyzid-parasitoidcabbage-aphid-hyperparasitoidbovine-dung-dipteran-parasitoidcattle-dung-parasitoidpasture-ecosystem-serviceforest-biodiversity-indicatorcollection-based-taxonomymolecular-phylogeneticscladistic-analysisimplied-weights-parsimonyskeletal-character-codingdigital-image-databaseInternet-accessible-databasehigher-level-phylogenygeneric-classification-revisiongenus-group-systeminformal-genus-groupssynapomorphy-discussionhost-parasitoid-coevolutionevolutionary-radiationtropical-parasitoid-diversitybiodiversity-documentationscientific-nomenclatureetymological-analysishost-based-species-naminggeographic-namingmorphological-namingdedication-namingtaxonomic-communicationbiodiversity-informaticsfaunistic-surveynew-country-recordnew-provincial-recordnew-genus-recordnew-species-descriptionspecies-redescriptiondichotomous-key-constructioncharacter-coupletillustrated-identificationmicroscope-photographyspecimen-imagingstudent-tested-keyexpert-consultationproofed-keyextension-entomology-applicationstakeholder-educationforest-managementfarm-managementfield-managementecosystem-service-valuationfuture-policy-implementationmicrohymenopteran-collectiondiagnostic-indicator-applicationobjective-setting-for-conservationclimate-change-monitoringhabitat-fragmentation-responseoak-stand-compositionurban-oak-forestnursery-oak-cultivationgeomorphic-topographic-structure-influencespecies-richness-patterndistribution-mappinghost-plant-documentationgall-morphology-documentationseasonal-gall-collectionmulti-year-field-studyprovince-level-inventoryregional-fauna-characterizationcountry-level-checklistglobal-fauna-overviewadventive-species-dominancedeliberate-introduction-historybiological-control-introductionnative-species-rarityendemic-species-presencecollection-revisiontype-specimen-examinationreared-specimen-basisdiagnosis-illustrationdistribution-data-compilationhost-relation-discussionbiology-documentationnatural-history-summarytaxonomic-overview-provisionfaunal-knowledge-gap-identificationresearch-accessibility-improvemententry-barrier-reductioncool-thing-discovery-enablementCyrtogaster
Cyrtogaster is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, subfamily Miscogastrinae, tribe Sphegigastrini. The genus was established by Walker in 1833. At least one species, C. vulgaris, has been documented as a secondary parasitoid (hyperparasitoid) of dipteran leafminers, with females laying eggs inside host puparia without discriminating between healthy hosts and those already parasitized by primary parasitoids.
Cyrtogaster capitanea
Cyrtogaster capitanea is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Heydon in 1989. It belongs to the tribe Sphegigastrini within the subfamily Miscogastrinae. The species is known from western and northern Canada, with records from British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. As with other members of the genus Cyrtogaster, it is likely associated with parasitoid biology, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Cyrtophleba
Cyrtophleba is a genus of tachinid flies in the family Tachinidae, subfamily Dexiinae, tribe Voriini. The genus was established by Camillo Rondani in 1856. Tachinid flies in this group are generally parasitoids, though specific host associations for Cyrtophleba species remain poorly documented. The genus has been recorded from northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Cyrtophleba coquilletti
Cyrtophleba coquilletti is a species of tachinid fly (Diptera: Tachinidae) described by Aldrich in 1926. It is known as a parasitoid of certain moth species, specifically Megalopyge crispata and Epiglaea apiata. The species is recorded from North America. Like other tachinid flies, it likely plays a role in regulating populations of its lepidopteran hosts.
Cyrtophleba nitida
Cyrtophleba nitida is a species of tachinid fly in the family Tachinidae, first described by Curran in 1930. As a member of this large family of parasitoid flies, it likely shares the typical tachinid life history involving larval development within host insects. The species is known from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited in available sources.
Dalmannia pacifica
Dalmannia pacifica is a species of thick-headed fly (family Conopidae) described by Banks in 1916. It belongs to the subfamily Dalmanniinae. Conopid flies are known for their parasitic lifestyle, with larvae typically developing inside other insects. The species epithet "pacifica" suggests a western North American distribution, though specific range details remain limited.
Dalmanniinae
Dalmanniinae is a subfamily of thick-headed flies (family Conopidae) within the order Diptera. Members of this subfamily are distinguished from other conopids by specific morphological features of the head and wing venation. The subfamily contains genera such as Dalmannia and Zodion, which are primarily found in the Holarctic region. These flies are parasitoids, with larvae developing within the bodies of Hymenoptera hosts.
Dapsilarthra
Dapsilarthra is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Alysiinae. The genus belongs to the Dapsilarthra genus group within the tribe Alysiini. At least one species, Dapsilarthra rufiventris, has been studied extensively for its foraging behavior on leaf-mining hosts. The genus is recorded from Europe, with distribution records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Dasineura carbonaria
Dasineura carbonaria is a species of gall midge in the family Cecidomyiidae. It forms galls on Euthamia graminifolia (grass-leaved goldenrod), a perennial herb native to North America. The species was described by Felt in 1907. Like other members of the genus Dasineura, this species induces plant tissue to form protective structures that house and nourish its developing larvae.
Dasymutilla
velvet ants, cow killers
Dasymutilla is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Mutillidae, commonly known as velvet ants. The genus contains the majority of North American velvet ant species. Females are wingless, densely hairy, and often brightly colored in aposematic patterns of red, orange, or white against black. Males possess wings and may differ substantially in coloration from females, leading to historical taxonomic confusion. The genus is notable for females' potent stings, among the most painful of any insect, and for forming one of the world's largest known Müllerian mimicry complexes.
Dasymutilla arenerronea
Dasymutilla arenerronea is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, described by Bradley in 1916. Like all mutillids, it is actually a wasp rather than an ant, with wingless females and winged males. The species belongs to a large genus of solitary parasitoid wasps that primarily target ground-nesting bees and wasps. Females are capable of delivering a painful sting, a trait common across the family.
Dasymutilla arenivaga
Desert Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla arenivaga is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, first described by Mickel in 1928. Like all mutillids, it is a solitary wasp with wingless females and winged males, exhibiting the pronounced sexual dimorphism characteristic of this group. The species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.
Dasymutilla asopus
Dasymutilla asopus is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae. Like all mutillids, females are wingless while males possess wings. The species exhibits the bright aposematic coloration typical of the genus, warning predators of its potent sting. As a parasitoid wasp, females seek out ground-nesting hosts to deposit their eggs. The species occurs across western North America, with confirmed observations from multiple states and provinces.
Dasymutilla atricauda
Dasymutilla atricauda is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitoid wasps in which females are wingless and males are winged. The species was described by Mickel in 1936. Like other members of the genus, females possess a potent sting and exhibit aposematic coloration warning predators of their defensive capabilities. The species is part of the large Müllerian mimicry complex formed by North American velvet ants.
Dasymutilla aureola
Pacific velvet ant
Dasymutilla aureola, commonly known as the Pacific velvet ant, is a species of solitary wasp in the family Mutillidae. Despite its common name, it is not an ant but a wingless female wasp. The species is found in the western United States and is characterized by its large, square-shaped head and dense hair coloration in red, yellow, or orange. Like other velvet ants, females possess a potent sting used for defense and subduing hosts.
Dasymutilla bioculata
velvet ant
Dasymutilla bioculata is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitic wasps in which only males possess wings. This species was taxonomically consolidated in 2010, when molecular and morphological analysis demonstrated that 21 previously recognized species and subspecies were actually conspecific. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism: females are wingless and run rapidly across the ground searching for host nests, while males fly and visit flowers. Females possess a potent sting used for defense. The species is a parasitoid of ground-nesting sand wasps in the genera Bembix and Microbembex.