Nesting Biology of Trypoxylon xanthandrum in Costa Rica with Observations on its Spider Prey (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae; Araneae: Senoculidae)

Authors

Rollin E. Coville, University of California
Charles Griswold, University of California

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society

Volume

56

Issue

2

Publication Date

4-25-1983

First Page

205

Last Page

216

Abstract

Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) xanthandrum Richards, a spiderhunting sphecid wasp, was studied at the Organization for Tropical Studies field station at La Selva in Costa Rica. The wasps constructed nests in trap-nests with tubes 9.5, 8.0, 6.4, and 4.8 mm X 15.5 cm. Nests consisted of an inner linear series of 1-8 brood cells, usually followed by an empty vestibular cell and mud final-closure plug, placed 14 or more mm from the tube entrances. Brood cells were provisioned only with spiders in the genus Senoculus (family Senoculidae). Observations indicate that the spiders rest on the underside of branches during the day. Natural enemies of T. xanthandrum include Neochrys is (Pleurochrysis) postica (Brulle) (Hym.: Chrysididae) and Phalacrotophora punc-tiapex Borgmeier (Diptera: Phoridae).

Recommended Citation

Coville, Rollin E. and Griswold, Charles, "Nesting Biology of Trypoxylon xanthandrum in Costa Rica with Observations on its Spider Prey (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae; Araneae: Senoculidae)" (1983). Co. Paper 144.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_co/144