Wolf-spider-parasite
Guides
Climaciella brunnea
Wasp Mantidfly, Western Mantidfly, Brown Mantidfly, Brown Wasp Mantidfly
Climaciella brunnea is a predatory mantidfly in the family Mantispidae, notable for its striking mimicry of paper wasps in the genus Polistes. Adults possess raptorial forelegs convergently evolved with mantises, used to capture small insect prey. The species exhibits regional color polymorphism, matching locally abundant Polistes species. Its life cycle involves a highly specialized parasitic relationship with wolf spiders (Lycosidae): first-instar larvae use phoretic behavior to board spiders, transfer between sexes during mating if necessary, and ultimately enter spider egg sacs to feed on the eggs. The species is widely distributed across North America from southern Canada to Nicaragua, with adults most commonly observed from May through October, peaking in June through August.