Cryptocheilus

Cryptocheilus
Cryptocheilus bicolor
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Suborder: Apocrita
Superfamily: Vespoidea
Family: Pompilidae
Subfamily: Pepsinae
Genus: Cryptocheilus
Panzer 1806

Cryptocheilus is a genus of spider wasps of the subfamily Pepsinae, they are found in the world's warmer regions. They vary in size from medium to large and are often strikingly coloured. The females construct muticellular nests in cavities, once built each cell is stocked with a spider,captured by the female. They are found in open habitats such as heaths, meadows and forest edges.

There are 24 species of Cryptocheilus known from Europe, 6 from North America and 2 recently described from the Neotropics.[1]

Species

Selected species include[2][3][4]

References

  1. Cambra R A & Wahis R 2005 New species of Cryptocheilus Panzer from Panama and Costa Rica (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae, Pepsinae) Notes fauniques de Gembloux 56, 3-6
  2. http://www.faunaeur.org/full_results.php?id=167042
  3. Cambra R A & Wahis R 2005 New species of Cryptocheilus Panzer from Panama and Costa Rica (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae, Pepsinae) Notes fauniques de Gembloux 56, 3-6
  4. http://ftic.biz/insects/Hymenoptera/Pompilidae/list2.html