Pompilidae
Guides
Poecilopompilus algidus marcidus
Poecilopompilus algidus marcidus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. This subspecies belongs to a genus known for Müllerian mimicry with paper wasps, displaying warning coloration that advertises its ability to deliver painful stings. Like other members of Poecilopompilus, females hunt orbweaver spiders (family Araneidae) to provision nests for their larvae. The species P. algidus exhibits remarkable geographic variation in coloration across its range, with subspecies including marcidus representing regional morphological variants.
Poecilopompilus algidus willistoni
Poecilopompilus algidus willistoni is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The species P. algidus exhibits Müllerian mimicry of paper wasps (Polistes), with coloration varying geographically—southern populations resemble large paper wasps while northern populations may appear almost entirely black with red abdominal bands. This subspecies is part of a widespread North American spider wasp that preys exclusively on orbweaver spiders (Araneidae). Females construct shallow burrows in bare soil where they provision nests with paralyzed spiders for their larvae.
Poecilopompilus interruptus
Interrupted Spider Wasp
Poecilopompilus interruptus is a New World spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Adults are highly variable in coloration, displaying combinations of rufous-brown, yellow, and black markings. Females are 13 mm in length with curled antennae tips, while males have straight or gently curved antennae. The species exhibits Müllerian mimicry of paper wasps (Polistes). It preys exclusively on orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) and has been documented visiting numerous flowering plants and extrafloral nectaries.
Poecilopompilus interruptus cressoni
Poecilopompilus interruptus cressoni is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The nominate species P. interruptus is a widespread member of a mostly tropical genus with three species reaching the United States. This subspecies was described by Nathan Banks in 1944. Spider wasps in this genus are known for their Müllerian mimicry of paper wasps (Polistes), sharing bold aposematic coloration despite being capable of delivering painful stings themselves.
Poecilopompilus interruptus semiflavus
Semiflavate Interrupted Spider Wasp
A subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Evans in 1966. Belongs to a genus of mostly tropical spider wasps with only three species reaching the United States. The nominate species Poecilopompilus interruptus is widespread and highly variable in coloration, with multiple subspecies recognized based on geographic variation in color pattern. Members of this genus are known for Müllerian mimicry of paper wasps (Polistes) and other defended spider wasps.
Poecilopompilus mixtus
Poecilopompilus mixtus is a spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is a predator of colonial orb-weaving spiders in the genus Metepeira. The species has been documented attacking social spider colonies in Mexico, where its hunting success is reduced when spiders form larger aggregations. It is one of several spider wasps in the genus Poecilopompilus that specialize in capturing orb-weaver spiders.
Pompilinae
spider wasps
Pompilinae is a subfamily of spider wasps (family Pompilidae) comprising approximately 107 genera. Species are solitary wasps that hunt spiders, paralyzing them with venom to serve as food for their larvae. Females excavate burrows or use pre-existing cavities, deposit a single egg on the paralyzed prey, and conceal the nest entrance. The subfamily exhibits considerable diversity in host associations and nesting behaviors across its constituent tribes.
Priocnemis
spider wasp
Priocnemis is a genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, subfamily Pepsinae, containing approximately 30 species. These solitary aculeate wasps are specialized predators of spiders, with females hunting and paralyzing prey to provision nest cells for their larvae. The genus has a wide geographic distribution including North America, Europe, and Asia, with species varying in size from small to relatively large among pompilids.
Priocnemis cornica
spider wasp
Priocnemis cornica is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It has been documented as a predator of the Beach Wolf Spider (Arctosa littoralis), paralyzing spiders to serve as food for its larval offspring. The species was first described by Thomas Say in 1836.
Priocnemis germana
Priocnemis germana is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1867. Like other members of the genus Priocnemis, this species is a solitary wasp that hunts spiders to provision nests for its larval offspring. The species belongs to a genus characterized by serrated hind tibiae, a diagnostic feature distinguishing them from other black spider wasps. Very few specific observations or detailed biological studies have been published for this particular species.
Priocnemis hestia
Priocnemis hestia is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1915. Like other members of the genus Priocnemis, it is presumed to be a solitary parasitoid of spiders. The species is part of a diverse genus of spider wasps found primarily in North America.
Priocnemis minorata
spider wasp
Priocnemis minorata is a medium-sized spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is among the first pompilid species to appear in spring, with peak activity in April and May. The species is known for hunting spiders in deciduous forest leaf litter, paralyzing them to provision underground nests for its larvae.
Priocnemis minuscula
Priocnemis minuscula is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. The species was described by Banks in 1917. As a member of the genus Priocnemis, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps that paralyze spiders to provision nests for their larvae. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Priocnemis notha
Priocnemis notha is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1867. The species is currently accepted as valid, though some sources list it as a synonym. As a member of the genus Priocnemis, it is part of a group of solitary wasps that paralyze spiders to provision nests for their larvae. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in the available literature.
Priocnemis notha occidentis
Priocnemis notha occidentis is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Banks in 1944. As a member of the genus Priocnemis, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larval offspring. The subspecific epithet "occidentis" indicates a western distribution, distinguishing it from the nominate subspecies.
Priocnemis oregona
Priocnemis oregona is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Banks in 1933. As a member of the genus Priocnemis, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The species epithet suggests an association with Oregon or the Pacific Northwest region. Specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented in available sources.
Priocnemis scitula
Priocnemis scitula is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It belongs to a genus of medium-sized wasps that prey on spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The species was described by Cresson in 1867. Like other members of Priocnemis, it is a solitary hunting wasp with specific host associations.
Priocnessus apache
Apache spider wasp
Priocnessus apache is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1933. The genus Priocnessus belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for hunting spiders to provision their nests. Very little published information exists regarding the specific biology and ecology of this particular species.
Priocnessus nebulosus
Priocnessus nebulosus is a spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Dahlbom in 1843. The genus Priocnessus belongs to the spider wasp family, which comprises solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. Very few specific details are documented for this particular species.
Psorthaspis
spider wasps
Psorthaspis is a genus of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, containing more than 30 described species. Members of this genus are solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision their nests. The genus was established by Nathan Banks in 1911.
Psorthaspis brimleyi
spider wasp
Psorthaspis brimleyi is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is one of several species in the genus Psorthaspis, which are specialized predators of spiders. The species was originally described as Pedinaspis brimleyi by Malloch in 1928. Spider wasps in this family are solitary hunters that paralyze spiders to provision nests for their larvae.
Psorthaspis formosa
Psorthaspis formosa is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Smith in 1862. The genus Psorthaspis comprises spider-hunting wasps that provision their nests with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. Like other pompilids, this species is solitary and exhibits specialized predatory behavior toward spiders. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, with observations from Arizona.
Psorthaspis legata
Psorthaspis legata is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1867. Members of the genus Psorthaspis are known as scoliid wasps, characterized by their robust bodies and parasitoid lifestyle. The species has been documented in North America with 279 observations recorded on iNaturalist. Like other pompilid wasps, Psorthaspis species are solitary hunters that provision their nests with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae.
Psorthaspis luctuosa
Psorthaspis luctuosa is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1910. The genus Psorthaspis belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for hunting spiders as prey for their larvae. Records of this species are sparse, with limited observational data available. A related species, Psorthaspis portiae, has been documented in the Santa Rita Mountains of Arizona, suggesting similar montane habitats may be occupied by P. luctuosa.
Psorthaspis mariae
Psorthaspis mariae is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cresson in 1867. The genus Psorthaspis belongs to the spider wasp family, members of which are known for hunting spiders to provision their nests. Information specifically documenting this species is limited in the provided sources.
Psorthaspis planata
Psorthaspis planata is a spider-hunting wasp in the family Pompilidae, native to western North America with highest observation frequency in California and Baja California. The species specializes in hunting trapdoor spiders, with the California trapdoor spider documented as prey. Sexual dimorphism in eye and ocellar structure has been described, with females showing eyes positioned remote from the head vertex and low ocelli placement.
Psorthaspis portiae
Psorthaspis portiae is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Rohwer in 1921. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States, with specific observations in Arizona. As a member of the genus Psorthaspis, it belongs to a group of wasps known for hunting spiders to provision their nests. The species is recognized by its distinctive coloration, featuring a black body with bright orange thorax and whitish abdominal apex.
Psorthaspis sanguinea
Psorthaspis sanguinea is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Smith in 1855. As a member of this family, it belongs to a group of solitary wasps known for hunting spiders to provision their nests. The specific epithet 'sanguinea' (Latin for 'bloody' or 'blood-red') likely refers to coloration characteristics of this species. Very limited specific biological information is available for this particular species.
Sericopompilus neotropicalis
Sericopompilus neotropicalis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, first described by Cameron in 1893. It belongs to a genus characterized by silvery or sericeous pubescence on the body. The species name 'neotropicalis' indicates a distribution in the Neotropical region. Very few observations exist, with only 5 records on iNaturalist.
Tachypompilus ferrugineus annexus
Tachypompilus ferrugineus annexus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It belongs to a group of large, solitary wasps that hunt spiders to provision nests for their larvae. The species Tachypompilus ferrugineus is known for its distinctive rusty or reddish coloration. This subspecies was described by Nathan Banks in 1944.
Tachypompilus ferrugineus ferrugineus
Rusty Spider Wasp, Spider Wasp
Tachypompilus ferrugineus ferrugineus is a large, solitary spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Adults are characterized by rusty-orange coloration and are active primarily in late summer. Females hunt and paralyze large spiders, particularly wolf spiders (Lycosidae), as provisions for their larvae. The species exhibits distinctive male perching behavior at prominent vertical structures such as cemetery monuments, where males compete for access to females. This subspecies is native to eastern North America.
Tachypompilus ferrugineus nigrescens
Tachypompilus ferrugineus nigrescens is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. It is a large, solitary wasp that preys on moderately large wolf spiders (Lycosa species), which it paralyzes and provisions in underground nest cells for its larval offspring. The subspecies has been documented forming aggregations at specific nesting sites, where males perch on elevated surfaces and compete for access to females.
Tachypompilus unicolor cerinus
Tachypompilus unicolor cerinus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Evans in 1966. It belongs to a genus known for hunting large spiders, particularly wolf spiders and fishing spiders, which are paralyzed and provisioned as food for larval offspring. The subspecies is part of the widespread T. unicolor complex, which exhibits considerable geographic variation across North America. Like other members of its genus, it is solitary and ground-nesting.
Tachypompilus unicolor unicolor
A spider wasp subspecies in the family Pompilidae. Members of the genus Tachypompilus are solitary, ground-nesting wasps that provision their nests with paralyzed spiders as food for their larvae. This subspecies was described by Banks in 1919.
Xerochares expulsus
Xerochares expulsus is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Schulz in 1906. It belongs to the genus Xerochares, which comprises spider wasps adapted to arid and semi-arid environments. The species has been documented in observational databases but remains poorly studied in scientific literature.