Astata

Astata boops

Astata is a genus of wasps grave ( Spheciformes ) from the family Crabronidae. Worldwide 76 species are known, of which about 30 occur in the Palaearctic and 17 are also common in Europe. Of these, in Central Europe for three types. The genus is widespread, with the exception of Australia.

Features

The genus can be distinguished from the similar Drydella by a markedly structured propodeum. The males also have a completely black face, with the females the Pygidialfeld is matt black and edged by curved, small, strong bristles.

Way of life

Males can be observed when using small stones and the like as a seat waiting, presumably to look for females out. The animals can fly extremely fast. The females build nests in the ground multicellular. The prey, bugs, is stored with the ventral side down in the cell, the egg is always stored on Prosternum under the first registered bug and then goes up to about half of the abdomen. As with the Philanthinae the prey is sometimes stored in the aisle of the nest and only when a sufficient number of cells to be produced and the loot is divided on it. Transported the stunned victims in flight with the ventral side up, in that they are packed with the mandibles at the probes. With the legs the prey is additionally supported.

Species ( Europe)

• Astata affinis Vander Linden 1829
• Astata Apostate Mercet 1910
• Astata boops (cabinet 1781)
• Astata brevitarsis Pulawski 1958
• Astata cobosi Mari Giner 1946
• Astata costae A. Costa 1867
• Astata gallica Beaumont 1942
• Astata graeca Beaumont 1947
• Astata jucunda Pulawski 1959
• Astata kashmirensis Nurse 1909
• Astata lusitanica Pulawski 1974
• Astata miegii Dufour 1861
• Astata minor carbon 1885
• Astata pontica Pulawski 1958
• Astata quettae Nurse 1903
• Astata rufipes Mocsary 1867
• Astata sicula carbon 1884

Documents