Sand-wasp-parasite
Guides
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.
Nysson intermedius
Nysson intermedius is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It was described by Viereck in 1908. Members of the genus Nysson are kleptoparasitic, laying their eggs in the nests of other digger wasps, particularly those in the genus Bembix and related taxa. The species occurs in North America.
Nysson subtilis
Nysson subtilis is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Bembicinae. It occurs in North America, with records from Canada including Nova Scotia. The species is a cleptoparasite (cuckoo wasp) that targets nests of other ground-nesting crabronid wasps, particularly those in the genus Hoplisoides. It can be distinguished from congeners by its entirely black front.
Nysson tristis
Nysson tristis is a species of solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae (formerly Bembicidae). It is a member of the genus Nysson, which comprises cleptoparasitic wasps that exploit the nests of other digger wasps. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other Nysson species, it likely targets the nests of sand wasps (Bembicini) as hosts.
Nyssonini
Nyssonini is a tribe of cleptoparasitic wasps within the subfamily Bembicinae, family Crabronidae. Members are characterized by distinctive wing venation and heavily sculptured body surfaces. The tribe comprises approximately 238 species across 18 genera with worldwide distribution. As cleptoparasites, they exploit the nests of other wasps rather than constructing their own.
Parnopes chrysoprasinus
Parnopes chrysoprasinus is a species of cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae. Like other members of this family, it is a parasitoid that lays its eggs in the nests of other solitary wasps. The larvae consume the host's eggs, larvae, and stored food provisions. The genus Parnopes includes species that target sand wasps and other ground-nesting solitary wasps as hosts. Chrysidid wasps are known for their heavily sculptured, brilliantly metallic exoskeletons that serve as armor against host defenses.
Parnopes edwardsii
cuckoo wasp
Parnopes edwardsii is a parasitic cuckoo wasp in the family Chrysididae, native to western North America. The species exhibits metallic blue-green coloration typical of chrysidid wasps. Females are nest parasites of sand wasps, specifically targeting burrows of species in the genus Steniolia and related crabronid wasps.