Cyphononyx optimus
| Cyphononyx optimus | |
|---|---|
| Cyphononyx optimus from Ethiopia | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Pompilidae |
| Genus: | Cyphononyx |
| Species: | C. optimus |
| Binomial name | |
| Cyphononyx optimus (Smith, 1855) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Cyphononyx optimus is a species of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae.[1]
Description
C. optimus can reach a length around 50 mm (2.0 in). The body is completely black, with black antennae. The wings are black, too, with bluish reflections. Legs are yellowish.[2]
Females of this genus hunt and paralyse large spiders, mainly Palystes species.[3][2]
Distribution and habitat
This species can be found in subtropical forests, savanna, and bushveld of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.[1][3][2]
References
- ^ a b c Catalogue of life
- ^ a b c Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths, Alan Weaving Field Guide to Insects of South Africa
- ^ a b Wasp Web Archived 2015-02-24 at the Wayback Machine
- Picker, M., Griffiths, C & Weaving, A. 2002. Field Guide to Insects of South Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town