Philanthinae

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Philanthinae
Cerceris
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Crabronidae
Subfamily: Philanthinae
Tribes and Genera

Aphilanthopini:

  • Aphilanthops
  • Clypeadon
  • Philanthinus

Cercerini:

Odontosphecini:

  • Odontosphex

Philanthini:

Pseudoscoliini:

  • Pseudoscolia

The subfamilly Philanthinae is one of the largest groups in the wasp family Crabronidae, even though it contains only 9 genera. Historically, this subfamily has frequently been accorded family status. The subfamily consists of solitary, predatory wasps, each genus having its own distinct and consistent prey preferences. The adult females dig tunnels in the ground for nesting.

As with all other sphecoid wasps, the larvae are carnivorous; females hunt for prey on which to lays their eggs, mass provisioning the nest cells with paralyzed, living prey that the larva feeds upon after it hatches from the egg.

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