Family AMPULICIDAE
Compiler and date details
28 May 2012 - Danielle N. Stringer, John T. Jennings & Andrew D. Austin, Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, The University of Adelaide SA 5005
Introduction
The Ampulicidae, often referred to as ‘cockroach wasps’, are a small, primarily tropical family with 14 species described for Australia. The family is characterised by their small to moderate size (4–14 mm), very deep and complete notauli, mid tibia with two spurs, and jugal lobe of the hind wing small or absent. Ampulicids are ectoparasitoids of adult and nymphal cockroaches (Blattodea), with females often foraging in leaf litter for hosts. They sting and partly paralyse the cockroach which is then dragged or herded to a concealed place where an egg is laid on it. One species has been observed to lead a cockroach host by one of its antennae to a suitable oviposition location. When the egg hatches the larva feeds upon the immobilised, still-fresh cockroach.
General References
Engel, M. 2005. Family-Group Names for Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea). American Museum Novitates 3476: 1-33
Ohl, M. 2002. A revision of the wasp genus Dolichurus Latreille, 1809 in Australia (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Ampulicidae). Insect Systematics and Evolution 33(1): 35-51
Özdikmen, H. 2005. Five new substitute names for Hymenoptera (Insecta) genera. Journal of Entomological Science 40: 237-239
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13-Dec-2011 | ADDED |