Ampulicidae
Jewel wasp ( Ampulex compressa )
Ampulicidae is a family of grave wasps ( Spheciformes ). It has offices in Europe, with five species in two genera. The group is considered by some authors as a subfamily of the family Sphecidae, their taxonomic position is not yet fully understood. Externally, the wasps have similarity to those of the tribe Sceliphrini within the Sphecidae.
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Features
The animals are recognizable by their very elongated prothorax and extending over the whole mesonotum longitudinal furrows ( Parapsiden ). Your Humeraltuberkel extend to the tegulae, the bracts of the wing base.
Occurrence and habitat
The Ampulicidae are found worldwide, with their distribution area is located in the tropics.
Way of life
The lifestyle of the representatives of the Ampulicidae is considered to be very original. They dig, unlike the other grave wasps no nests. The larvae feed on one or two cockroaches, which are introduced in an existing cavity in the earth, under tree bark, in dead wood or in abandoned nests of Hymenoptera. The cavity used is tightly closed after the provisioning and oviposition with pieces of wood, earth or stones. Wasps stun their prey with a sting slightly. They are then packed with the mandibles to the sensor bases, legs or even on the prothorax and dragged backwards going to the nest. This prey transport also distinguishes the family of the other grave wasps. This behavior occurs otherwise occurs only with the Wegwespen ( Pompilidae ).
System
In the following, all currently recognized extant subtaxa lists down to the genus as well as the European species:
- Subfamily Ampulicinae Shuckard, 1840 Tribus Ampulicini Shuckard, 1840 Genus Ampulex Jurine, 1807 Ampulex fasciata Jurine, 1807
- Ampulex ruficollis Cameron, 1888
- Tribus Aphelotomini Ohl and Spahn, 2009 Genus Aphelotoma Westwood, 1841
- Genus Rieke Fella Özdikmen, 2005
- Genus Dolichurus Latreille, 1809 Dolichurus bicolor Lepeletier, 1845
- Dolichurus corniculus ( Spinola, 1808)
- Dolichurus haemorrhous A. Costa, 1886
Non-European types (selection)
- Jewel wasp ( Ampulex compressa )