Pompilidae
Guides
Caliadurgus fasciatellus
Blotchwing Spider Wasp
Caliadurgus fasciatellus is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, subfamily Pepsinae. It ranges from Western Europe to the Far East of Asia. The species hunts orb-weaving spiders, paralyzes them, and provisions underground burrows for its larval offspring. It was historically confused with Priocnemis hyalinata due to taxonomic errors regarding type species designations.
Calopompilus albopilosus
Calopompilus albopilosus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The species was described by Cresson in 1867. Current taxonomy recognizes this name as a synonym of Chirodamus albopilosus. Members of the genus Calopompilus are known for their specialized predation on spiders.
Calopompilus deceptus
Calopompilus deceptus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The genus Calopompilus contains species that are specialized predators of spiders, with females paralyzing their prey to provision nests for their larvae. Very little specific information is documented for C. deceptus; the species has been recorded from only two observations on iNaturalist, indicating it is rarely encountered or underreported. As with other members of its genus, it is presumed to be a solitary hunting wasp with specialized predatory behavior.
Calopompilus pyrrhomelas
Calopompilus pyrrhomelas is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, originally described as Pompilus pyrrhomelas by Walker in 1866. It is currently treated as a synonym of Chirodamus pyrrhomelas in some taxonomic databases, reflecting ongoing taxonomic uncertainty within the genus. The species epithet "pyrrhomelas" (from Greek "pyrrhos" = flame-colored, "melas" = black) suggests distinctive coloration. As a pompilid wasp, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for hunting spiders to provision their nests.
Calopompilus validus
spider wasp
Calopompilus validus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The genus Calopompilus was established to accommodate species previously placed in Chirodamus, though taxonomic relationships within Pompilidae remain under study. As with other pompilid wasps, this species is presumed to be a solitary hunter that provisions its nest with paralyzed spiders. The species was originally described by Cresson in 1867. Very few documented observations exist, with only 2 records in iNaturalist.
Ceropales
cuckoo spider wasp
Ceropales is a genus of kleptoparasitic spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, comprising approximately 30 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are obligate cleptoparasites that exploit the prey of other solitary wasps rather than hunting spiders themselves. The genus originated in Eurasia approximately 10.6 million years ago and achieved its cosmopolitan distribution through multiple long-distance dispersal events across land bridges and oceanic barriers.
Ceropales elegans elegans
Ceropales elegans elegans is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1872. It belongs to a genus known for kleptoparasitic behavior, where females lay eggs in the nests of other spider wasps. The subspecies is recorded from Texas. Members of the genus Ceropales are characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive coloration patterns.
Ceropales elegans quaintancei
Ceropales elegans quaintancei is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Viereck in 1902. It belongs to a genus known for kleptoparasitic behavior, where females lay eggs in the nests of other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. The subspecies is recorded from Texas. Like other members of Ceropales, it likely has a slender body with contrasting coloration typical of spider wasps.
Ceropales hatoda
Ceropales hatoda is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Brimley in 1928. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that exploit the prey provisions of other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. This species is part of a group noted for its distinctive coloration and potential role in mimicry complexes with other aculeate wasps.
Ceropales maculata rhodomerus
Ceropales maculata rhodomerus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Townes in 1957. It is part of a genus known for kleptoparasitic behavior, where females steal prey from other spider wasps rather than hunting spiders directly. The subspecies epithet 'rhodomerus' refers to its reddish coloration. Records indicate presence in Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, suggesting a northwestern European distribution.
Ceropales maculata stretchii
Ceropales maculata stretchii is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Fox in 1892. As a member of the genus Ceropales, it belongs to a group of wasps known for their kleptoparasitic behavior, laying eggs in spiders already paralyzed by other spider wasps. The subspecies has been recorded from Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, suggesting a European distribution.
Ceropales nigripes
Ceropales nigripes is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Cresson in 1867. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that lay eggs in spiders already captured and paralyzed by other spider wasp species. This species has been observed in Colorado Springs and may serve as a visual model for mimicry by the ichneumon wasp Ceratogastra ornata.
Ceropales pacifica
Ceropales pacifica is a spider wasp (family Pompilidae) described by Townes in 1957. In Colorado Springs, it has been observed as a potential model for Müllerian or Batesian mimicry, with the ichneumon wasp Ceratogastra ornata showing striking similarities in coloration and pattern. As a member of the genus Ceropales, it belongs to a group of spider wasps known for their distinctive morphology and behavior.
Ceropales rugata
Ceropales rugata is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Townes in 1957. The genus Ceropales comprises kleptoparasitic spider wasps that do not hunt spiders themselves but instead lay eggs on spiders captured by other pompilid wasps. This species belongs to a lineage exhibiting Batesian mimicry of stinging spider wasps, particularly in the genus Poecilopompilus.
Cryptocheilus attenuatum
Cryptocheilus attenuatum is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1933. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larvae. The species has been documented visiting flowers for nectar, particularly at blooming saltcedar (Tamarix) trees in Colorado. Observations suggest males may establish territories around nectar sources to encounter females.
Cryptocheilus hesperus
Western spider wasp
Cryptocheilus hesperus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, native to western North America. The species was first described by Banks in 1915 under the name Priocnemis hesperus before being transferred to the genus Cryptocheilus. As with other members of its family, it is presumed to be a solitary wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larvae, though specific behavioral and ecological studies on this species are limited.
Cryptocheilus idoneum
Cryptocheilus idoneum is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1910. Like other members of its genus, it is a solitary wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larvae. The species has been documented in western North America, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Observations indicate adults visit flowering plants for nectar, including invasive saltcedar (Tamarix).
Cryptocheilus idoneum idoneum
Cryptocheilus idoneum idoneum is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It was described by Banks in 1910. Like other members of the genus Cryptocheilus, it is presumed to be a spider-hunting wasp that provisions nests with paralyzed spiders for its larvae. Observations of the species have been documented in Colorado, where individuals were recorded visiting flowering saltcedar trees for nectar.
Cryptocheilus pallidipenne
Cryptocheilus pallidipenne is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1911. The specific epithet "pallidipenne" refers to pale wings. Like other members of its genus, this species is a solitary wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larvae. It has been documented in Colorado and is attracted to flowering saltcedar (Tamarix) for nectar.
Cryptocheilus severini
Cryptocheilus severini is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1926. Members of the genus Cryptocheilus are known to hunt spiders as prey for their larvae. The species has been documented in North America, particularly in association with flowering plants that provide nectar resources for adult wasps.
Cryptocheilus terminatus subopacus
Cryptocheilus terminatus subopacus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It has been documented in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where individuals were observed visiting flowers of an invasive Saltcedar (Tamarix sp.) tree for nectar. Like other members of the genus Cryptocheilus, it is presumed to hunt spiders as prey for its larvae, though specific prey records for this subspecies are not documented in the provided sources. The subspecies designation indicates geographic variation in coloration or morphology from the nominate form.
Cryptocheilus terminatus terminatus
Cryptocheilus terminatus terminatus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The genus Cryptocheilus is known for hunting spiders to provision nests for their larvae. This subspecies was described by Thomas Say in 1828. It is currently treated as a synonym of Cryptocheilus terminatum terminatum in some taxonomic databases. Records indicate it has been observed in North America, specifically in association with flowering saltcedar (Tamarix) in Colorado.
Dipogon
spider wasps
Dipogon is a genus of small spider wasps (Pompilidae) characterized by ant-mimicking dark-banded wings and a distinctive 'beard' of hairs on the maxillary palps used to transport nesting materials. These solitary wasps are primarily forest-dwelling, hunting spiders on tree trunks and constructing multi-celled nests in pre-existing tubular cavities such as beetle tunnels or hollow plant stems. The genus exhibits notable behavioral plasticity in nest construction, using mud, leaf fragments, insect parts, and even stolen bee provisions to form cell partitions.
Dipogon calipterus nubifer
Dipogon calipterus nubifer is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, recognized as a valid taxon by Catalogue of Life and GBIF. As part of the Dipogon calipterus species complex, it shares the general biology of this ant-mimicking wasp group: females hunt spiders to provision nest cells in pre-existing cavities, while males perch to defend territories. The subspecies is distinguished from other D. calipterus subspecies by slight differences in color and pattern.
Dipogon fulleri
Dipogon fulleri is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Krombein in 1962. The species was originally placed in the genus Winnemanella and later transferred to Dipogon. As a member of the genus Dipogon, it shares the characteristic ant-mimicking appearance created by dark bands on the wings. Like other Dipogon species, females hunt spiders to provision nests in pre-existing cavities. The species is known from limited records and appears to be poorly documented in the literature.
Dipogon graenicheri
Dipogon graenicheri is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1939. The genus Dipogon comprises small, ant-mimicking wasps that hunt spiders on tree trunks and construct nests in pre-existing cavities. Species in this genus are rarely observed due to their cryptic appearance and arboreal foraging habits.
Entypus
Entypus is a genus of spider wasps (family Pompilidae) comprising at least 40 described species. These solitary wasps are known from the Americas, with records extending from the United States to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Members of this genus are parasitoids that hunt spiders to provision nests for their offspring. The genus includes recently described species such as E. renata from Brazil.
Entypus aratus
Entypus aratus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Townes in 1957. Members of this genus are solitary wasps that hunt spiders as prey for their larvae. The species is known from a small number of observations, suggesting it may be uncommon or underrecorded.
Entypus fulvicornis
Entypus fulvicornis is a medium-sized to large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, found in eastern North America. It is distinguished from congeners by its black or dark brown wings, in contrast to the orange wings typical of other Entypus species. The species is a specialist predator of spiders, particularly wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and nursery web spiders (Pisauridae), and is active in late summer and early autumn. It has been documented nectaring from a diverse array of flowering plants across eleven plant families.
Entypus unifasciatus unifasciatus
Entypus unifasciatus unifasciatus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. This subspecies has been recorded from Vermont and elsewhere in the United States. As a member of Pompilidae, it is presumed to be a solitary wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larval offspring. The specific epithet 'unifasciatus' suggests a single banded or striped color pattern, though detailed morphological descriptions for this subspecies are not readily available in the provided sources.
Episyron
Episyron is a genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae. Members are medium to large-sized wasps that construct ground nests in sandy substrates and provision them with paralyzed spiders. Nine species occur in Europe, with additional species documented in North America including the northeastern United States.
Episyron snowi
A species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Viereck in 1906. Very few documented observations exist for this species, with only 3 records in iNaturalist. The genus Episyron comprises spider-hunting wasps that provision their nests with paralyzed spiders.
Episyronini
Episyronini is a tribe of spider wasps within the family Pompilidae. Members are solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The tribe is distinguished by morphological features of the mesosoma and wing venation. Episyronini species are primarily found in the Americas, with some extending into other regions. They represent a well-supported monophyletic group within the subfamily Pepsinae.
Evagetes
Evagetes is a genus of kleptoparasitic spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, containing 72 described species. Unlike most spider wasps that hunt spiders directly, Evagetes species parasitize the nests of other pompilid wasps by entering sealed burrows, consuming the host egg, and replacing it with their own. The genus is primarily distributed in the Palaearctic region (58 species), with 11 species in the Nearctic region and limited representation in other biogeographic realms. Evagetes is distinguished from related genera by its notably short antennae.
Evagetes mohave
Evagetes mohave is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Nathan Banks in 1933. The genus Evagetes is characterized by a blocky, robust thorax that distinguishes it from the related genus Aporus, which has a more streamlined thorax that slopes gradually toward the head. Members of the genus Evagetes share with Aporus relatively short and thick antennae. The species epithet 'mohave' suggests an association with the Mojave Desert region of southwestern North America.
Evagetes padrinus minusculus
Evagetes padrinus minusculus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It was described by Banks in 1910. The genus Evagetes belongs to the spider wasp family, whose females paralyze spiders to provision nests for their larvae. Members of this genus can be distinguished from the unrelated genus Aporus by their blockier thorax morphology.
Evagetes parvus
Evagetes parvus is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1865. Members of the genus Evagetes are characterized by relatively short, thick antennae and a blocky, robust thorax that distinguishes them from the streamlined genus Aporus, which shares similar antennae proportions. The species is part of the diverse spider wasp fauna of North America.
Geolycosa
Burrowing Wolf Spiders
Geolycosa is a genus of burrowing wolf spiders (family Lycosidae) established by Montgomery in 1904. These spiders are characterized by their obligate burrowing lifestyle, constructing deep cylindrical burrows in sandy or loose soils. Some species build distinctive turrets around burrow openings using sticks and debris. The genus includes approximately 70 species distributed across North America, with some species extending into the Levant. Geolycosa species are medium to large spiders with morphological adaptations for digging, including enlarged chelicerae and stout anterior legs.
Hemipepsis
tarantula hawks, Old and New World Tarantula-hawk Wasps
Hemipepsis is a genus of large spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as tarantula hawks. The genus contains approximately 180 species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with significant diversity in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Hemipepsis wasps are distinguished from the related genus Pepsis by subtle differences in wing venation patterns. In South Africa, Hemipepsis wasps serve as exclusive pollinators for 18 plant species across three families (Apocynaceae, Orchidaceae, and Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloodeae). The genus has been extensively studied for its complex male territorial behavior, particularly in the North American species H. ustulata.
Hemipepsis toussainti
Hemipepsis toussainti is a species of tarantula hawk wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1928. It belongs to the genus Hemipepsis, which includes large, predatory spider wasps that paralyze tarantulas to provision their nests. The species is part of a diverse group of tarantula hawks found in western North America. Very few observations of this species have been recorded.
Minagenia
Minagenia is a genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, characterized by a koinobiont parasitoid lifestyle. Females paralyze spiders and lay eggs on them, with larvae developing while the host remains alive and continues to grow. This developmental strategy distinguishes Minagenia from many idiobiont pompilids that permanently paralyze hosts. The genus was established by Banks in 1934.
Notocyphinae
Notocyphinae is a monotypic subfamily of spider wasps containing the single genus Notocyphus. These wasps are distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. The subfamily is notable for parasitism on tarantulas, including documented cases involving the aviculariine tarantula Avicularia purpurea in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Paracyphononyx funereus
Paracyphononyx funereus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Lepeletier in 1845. It belongs to a genus known for koinobiont ectoparasitoid behavior, where females lay eggs on paralyzed spiders that remain mobile until the larva reaches its final developmental stage. The species is part of a group of spider wasps that exhibit diverse host manipulation strategies. Specific biological details for P. funereus remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pepsinae
tarantula hawks (for some genera)
Pepsinae is a subfamily of spider wasps (Pompilidae) comprising 84 genera across six tribes. The subfamily includes the large tarantula hawks (genera Pepsis and Hemipepsis) as well as many smaller species. Members exhibit diverse nesting behaviors including use of preexisting cavities, occupation of spider burrows, soil excavation, mud nest construction, and kleptoparasitism. The subfamily is defined by distinctive morphological characters including sternite 2 with a transverse groove, femora without subapical spine-like setae in grooves, metatibia with uniform apical spine-like setae not splayed, and fore wing vein Cu1 simple at its base.
Pepsis basifusca
tarantula hawk
Pepsis basifusca is a species of tarantula hawk wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Lucas in 1895. As a member of the genus Pepsis, it is a large, solitary spider wasp that hunts tarantulas to provision nests for its larvae. The species is part of a diverse genus of tarantula hawks found primarily in the Americas, known for their potent sting and aposematic coloration.
Pepsis pallidolimbata
tarantula hawk
Pepsis pallidolimbata is a species of tarantula hawk wasp in the family Pompilidae. As a member of the genus Pepsis, it shares the characteristic large size and distinctive coloration of tarantula hawks, with females possessing a potent sting used to paralyze tarantula prey. The species was described by Lucas in 1895. Like other Pepsis species, females hunt tarantulas to provision nests for their larvae, while adults of both sexes feed on nectar.
Pepsis thisbe
Thisbe's tarantula-hawk wasp
Pepsis thisbe is a large spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, commonly known as Thisbe's tarantula-hawk wasp. Females are 32–44 mm in length with a dark blue body and orange wings. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females have curly antennae and a 7 mm stinger, while males have straight antennae and lack stingers entirely. Adults are nectarivorous, feeding primarily on flowers, but females hunt tarantulas as food for their larvae. The species is distributed throughout the American Southwest in desert areas.
Phanagenia bombycina
Phanagenia bombycina is a solitary spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. It constructs delicate mud barrel nests to house paralyzed spider prey and developing larvae. The species is found east of the Rocky Mountains and is slightly larger than related Auplopus species. Uniquely, it frequently builds its mud cells inside the abandoned nests of the pipe organ mud dauber (Trypoxylon politum).
Plagiostira albonotata
white-marked shieldback
Plagiostira albonotata, commonly known as the white-marked shieldback, is a species of shield-backed katydid in the family Tettigoniidae. It is a large, robust katydid found in arid regions of the southwestern United States. The species is characterized by distinctive white markings on its body. Observations indicate activity during summer months in desert and semi-desert habitats.
shield-backed-katydidOrthopteraTettigoniidaedesertsouthwestern-United-Statesnocturnalbrachypterouskatydidinsectarid-habitatyucca-associationsummer-activitywhite-markingslarge-body-sizePlagiostiriniTettigoniinaeNew-MexicoArizonaUtahwest-Texassand-dunesdesert-scrubcrepuscularlimited-flightScudder-1876Plagiostira-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldbackEnsiferaTettigoniideaTettigonioideaHexapodaArthropodaInsectaAnimaliaEukaryotaMetazoagrasshoppers,-crickets-&-katydidsPlagiostira28-observationsiNaturalistGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBI-TaxonomyWikipediaBeetles-In-The-Bush2018-New-Mexico/Texas-Insect-Collecting-TripTed-C.-MacRaeJeff-HuetherJune-2–9,-2018southeastern-New-MexicoMescalero-Sand-DunesKermit,-TexasHwy-380San-AntonioBinghamSandia-MountainsWalking-Sands-Rest-AreaValley-of-Fire-National-Recreation-AreaSierra-Blanca-MountainsSunset,-New-MexicoHobbs,-New-MexicoKermit-Sand-DunesI-10-Rest-AreaFabens,-TexasCarlsbad,-New-MexicoLoco-Hills,-New-MexicoCarrizozo,-New-MexicoBingham,-New-MexicoSocorro,-New-MexicoThe-BoxyuccaProsopis-glandulosamesquiteOpuntia-imbricatachollaJuniperus-monospermajuniperSapindus-drummondiisoapberryAcacia-greggiicatclaw-acaciaAcacia-rigidablack-acaciaThelespermaDaleaPenstemonRobiniaCeltisGaillardiaOenetheraBaccharisSphaeralceaEphedraCacamacactus-dodger-cicadaTragidion-armatumPrionus-arenariusPrionus-palparisPrionus-integerPolyphyllaMoneilemacactus-beetleGyascutusAcmaeoderaChrysobothrisAgrilusEnoclerusActenodesParatyndarisAcmaeoderopsisBrachysNeoclytusCleridaeCerambycidaeBuprestidaeScarabaeidaeCarabidaeTenebrionidaeMeloidaeCoreidaePompilidaetarantula-hawkCicindelidaeCylindera-lemniscatatiger-beetleLycaenidaeBrephidium-exiliswestern-pygmy-blueEchinargus-isolaReakirt's-blueshieldbackdesert-insectnocturnal-insectbrachypterous-insectsummer-insectarid-land-insectyucca-associated-insectNew-Mexico-insectArizona-insectUtah-insectTexas-insectsouthwestern-US-insectNorth-American-insectNearctic-insectTettigoniidae-insectOrthoptera-insectEnsifera-insectTettigoniinae-insectPlagiostirini-insectPlagiostira-insectP.-albonotatawhite-marked-shieldback-katydidgiant-katydidlarge-katydiddesert-katydidsand-dune-katydidyucca-katydidnocturnal-katydidbrachypterous-katydidsummer-katydidScudder's-katydid1876-katydidOrthopterankatydid-speciesshieldback-speciesTettigoniidae-speciesPlagiostira-speciesdesert-speciesarid-speciesnocturnal-speciesbrachypterous-speciessummer-speciesNew-Mexico-speciesArizona-speciesUtah-speciesTexas-speciessouthwestern-US-speciesNorth-American-speciesNearctic-speciesPoecilopompilus
spider wasps
Poecilopompilus is a genus of fossorial spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, distributed throughout the New World. These wasps are notable for their Müllerian mimicry of social paper wasps (Polistes), sharing similar yellow and black or reddish-brown color patterns. Females hunt orbweaver spiders (Araneidae), paralyzing them with a sting and transporting them to underground burrows where an egg is laid on each spider. The genus contains approximately 37 recognized species, with only a few extending into the United States.