Spider-wasp
Guides
Auplopus
spider wasps
Auplopus is a large genus of small spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, distributed worldwide except Antarctica. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud nests, often inside pre-existing cavities such as abandoned nests of other wasps, hollows in wood, or rock crevices. They hunt spiders, paralyze them with venom, and amputate the legs before transporting the prey to their nests. The wasps provision each mud cell with one or more paralyzed spiders, lay a single egg on the final victim, and seal the cell. Auplopus species are solitary and non-aggressive, with most activity occurring from May to October.
Auplopus architectus metallicus
Auplopus architectus metallicus is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Like other Auplopus, females construct small, free-standing mud cells to house paralyzed spider prey and developing larvae. The subspecies was described by Banks in 1910. Members of this genus are small wasps, typically around 10 millimeters in length, with several species exhibiting bright metallic blue-green coloration.
Auplopus caerulescens
Blue Mud-dauber Spider Wasp
Auplopus caerulescens is a small spider-hunting wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud cells, typically 15 mm long and 7-10 mm wide, often placed inside pre-existing cavities such as hollows in wood, rock crevices, or abandoned nests of other wasps. The species is known for its bright metallic blue-green coloration, with females bearing a diagnostic pygidial plate used to manipulate mud during nest construction. It is widely distributed across North America.
Auplopus carbonarius
potter spider wasp, yellow-faced spider wasp
Auplopus carbonarius is a small spider wasp native to Europe that has been introduced to North America. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud cells inside pre-existing cavities, stocking each with a paralyzed spider as food for their larva. The species is notable for its complex nesting behavior among Pompilidae, including leg amputation of prey to facilitate transport. Adults are approximately 10 mm in length, with males distinguished by ivory-colored maculae beside the eyes.
Auplopus mellipes
Red-legged Spider Wasp
Auplopus mellipes is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud cells to house their paralyzed spider prey and developing larvae. The species has a widespread distribution across North America and is most active during summer months. Unlike many spider wasps that dig burrows, Auplopus species are unique among Pompilidae for their free-standing mud nest construction.
Auplopus mellipes mellipes
Auplopus mellipes mellipes is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive barrel-shaped mud cells to house their offspring, provisioning each cell with paralyzed spiders. The species belongs to a genus noted for opportunistic hunting of non-web-building spiders and for frequently utilizing pre-existing cavities or abandoned nests of other wasps as nest sites. Adults feed on honeydew from aphid colonies rather than visiting flowers.
Auplopus mellipes variitarsus
Auplopus mellipes variitarsus is a subspecies of small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive free-standing mud cells, typically barrel-shaped and approximately 15 millimeters long, to house paralyzed spider prey and a single offspring. The species exhibits bright metallic blue-green coloration, with females bearing a diagnostic pygidial plate on the abdomen used as a masonry trowel during nest construction. Like other Auplopus, this subspecies is solitary and non-aggressive, feeding on aphid honeydew as adults while provisioning nests with spiders from diverse families.
Auplopus mollis
Auplopus mollis is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Females construct distinctive free-standing mud cells, typically barrel-shaped and approximately 15 mm long by 7–10 mm wide, often stacked end-to-end in rows of two to five. The species hunts non-web-building spiders, amputates their legs to facilitate transport, and provisions each mud cell with multiple paralyzed spiders before laying a single egg. Adults feed on aphid honeydew rather than visiting flowers.
Auplopus nigrellus
Auplopus nigrellus is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, tribe Auplopini. Like other members of its genus, it constructs distinctive barrel-shaped mud cells to house its offspring. The species was described by Banks in 1911, though specific details about its biology are limited compared to better-studied congeners such as A. carbonarius and A. mellipes.
Caliadurgus
Caliadurgus is a genus of medium-sized spider wasps in the family Pompilidae, subfamily Pepsinae. The genus was established by Pate in 1946 as a replacement for the preoccupied name Calicurgus. These wasps are known for hunting orb-weaving spiders (Araneidae) and long-jawed orb weavers (Tetragnathidae) to provision nests for their larvae. The genus has a Holarctic and Neotropical distribution, with species recorded across North America, Europe, and South America.
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 maculipennis
Calopompilus maculipennis is a species of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, originally described by Smith in 1855. The species is currently recognized as a synonym of Chirodamus maculipennis. It belongs to the aculeate wasps, a group characterized by stinging apparatus derived from the ovipositor. As with other pompilid wasps, members of this genus are solitary hunters that provision their nests with paralyzed spiders.
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 bipunctata
two-spotted spider wasp, kleptoparasitic spider wasp
Ceropales bipunctata is a diurnal, obligate kleptoparasitic spider wasp that cannot capture its own prey and must rely on provisions stolen from other spider wasps. The species is notable for its distinctive cream-colored spots on the thorax and its specialized parasitic lifestyle targeting the book lungs of spiders captured by host wasps. It occurs in two recognized subspecies with different geographic distributions and leg coloration.
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.
Ceropalinae
cuckoo spider wasps
Ceropalinae is a subfamily of spider wasps (Pompilidae) comprising two genera: Ceropales and Irenangelus. Members are obligate kleptoparasites that exploit the nests of other solitary wasps, primarily fellow pompilids that hunt spiders. Unlike most spider wasps that provision their own nests with paralyzed spiders, ceropalines invade the nests of host wasps to lay their eggs on spiders already captured and stored by the host. This parasitic lifestyle represents a distinct evolutionary strategy within the Pompilidae.
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
spider wasp
Dipogon calipterus is a small spider wasp in the family Pompilidae. Females hunt spiders on tree trunks, sting them into paralysis, and provision underground nests with them. The species exhibits ant-mimicry through dark wing bands and is rarely observed due to its cryptic appearance and behavior. Three subspecies are recognized with scattered distributions across eastern and southern North America.
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 geronimo
Dipogon geronimo is a species of spider wasp (family Pompilidae) described by Evans in 1974. The genus Dipogon comprises small, ant-mimicking wasps that hunt spiders on tree trunks. Members of this genus are rarely observed due to their effective ant mimicry, small size, and forest-dwelling habits. Females provision nest cells with paralyzed or killed spiders, constructing unique nest partitions from mud mixed with organic debris.
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.
Dipogon graenicheri atratus
A subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, characterized by its dark coloration. Like other Dipogon species, it is a forest-dwelling wasp that hunts spiders on tree trunks. The subspecies was described by Townes in 1957 and belongs to a genus known for ant-mimicking appearance due to dark wing bands.
Dipogon graenicheri graenicheri
Dipogon graenicheri graenicheri is a subspecies of spider wasp in the family Pompilidae, described by Banks in 1939. As with other members of the genus Dipogon, it is a predator of spiders, hunting on tree trunks in forested habitats. The subspecies is part of a group characterized by dark-banded wings that provide ant-mimicry camouflage.
Dipogon sayi
spider wasp
Dipogon sayi is a solitary spider wasp in the family Pompilidae that nests in pre-existing cavities (trap-nests). It is known from the northeastern United States, with the easternmost records from Maine. The species provisions its nests with paralyzed spiders, particularly crab spiders (Thomisidae), as food for its larvae.
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
spider wasp
Entypus unifasciatus is a spider wasp species in the family Pompilidae. Females hunt large spiders, paralyze them with venom, and provision underground burrows as food for their developing larvae. The species exhibits a broad transcontinental distribution across the Americas. Adults display distinctive coloration with black bodies, bluish sheen, yellow antennae, and variable orange-banded wings.
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.
Epipompilus aztecus
Epipompilus aztecus is a Neotropical spider wasp in the subfamily Ctenocerinae. It is naturally rare with low capture frequency despite extensive sampling effort. The species has been recorded using Malaise traps and Möerick traps (yellow and red). Its known distribution has expanded considerably in recent years through new records in South America and the United States.