Ecology, Mating and Nesting of Tachypompilus Ferrugineus Nigrescens (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Abstract

An aggregation of Tachypompilus Jerrugineus nigrescens was studied during mid­ summer 1988 in Syracuse, NY. Wasp activity was focused on a 2 m high cemetery monument near a gravelly roadway. Males perched on thc stone, chased one another and pursued incoming females in flight. Details of mating are described. Both sexes spent the night and periods of inclement weather inside a narrow crevice near the base of the monument. Females flew around the monument, landed frequently and made exploratory walks inside of the crevice. They were observed searching for prey and transporting paralyzed spiders backward on the ground. Seven conical or concave depressions (cells) were located inside of the crevice in loosened soil, powdered mortar and debris. A paralyzed spider was positioned in each depression, ventral side up, and a wasp's egg was affixed laterally to the base of the prey's abdomen. Prey spiders comprised moderately large Lycosa helluo and L. rabida (Lycosidae). Closure of the nest is described.