Biological Observations on Three Trypoxylon Wasps in the Subgenus Trypargilum from Coasta Rica: T. Nitidum Schulthessi, T. Saussurei, and T. Lactitarse (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

Authors

Rollin E. Coville, University of California

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Pan-Pacific Entomologist

Volume

57

Issue

2

Publication Date

4-1-1981

First Page

332

Last Page

340

Abstract

The genus Trypoxylon subgenus Trypargilum occur in temperate and tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere (Bohart and Menke, 1976). These solitary spider wasps are either mud daubers or they nest in pre-existing cavities. They are unusual among all wasps in that males normally remain in nests as guards while females forage (Peckham and Peckham, 1895; Rau, 1928; Fattig, 1936; Paetzel, 1973; Coville and Coville, 1980). In addition, many species groups and complexes of Trypargilum appear to have distinctive nest architecture, cocoon morphology, and prey preferences (Krombein, 1967; Matthews and Matthews, 1968; Lin, 1969; Coville, 1979). The last three traits may become useful taxonomic characters when information becomes available on more species, especially in the Neotropics. Coville and Coville (1980) recently reported on the biology of Trypoxylon (Typargilum) tenoctitlan Richards in Costa Rica. The purpose of this paper is to present biological data obtained from nests of three other Costa Rican Trypargilum during that study: T. nitidum schulthessi Richards, T. lactitarse Saussure, and T. saussurei Rohwer.

Recommended Citation

Coville, Rollin E., "Biological Observations on Three Trypoxylon Wasps in the Subgenus Trypargilum from Coasta Rica: T. Nitidum Schulthessi, T. Saussurei, and T. Lactitarse (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)" (1981). Co. Paper 141.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_co/141