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Sphaeropthalma

Sphaeropthalma is a genus of velvet ants (a type of wasp) described by C.A. Blake in 1871 within the family Mutillidae.

Description

Sphaeropthalma are among the smaller velvet ants. Many species have red hair (common to many species in the family), while a few are more pink or white, or black. The genus is largely made up of species that are active only at night. Some, however, are active during the day. The ones which have pink hair are nocturnal.

Habitat

Most dry areas, or open areas.

Behavior

Scurries along the ground, in search of solitary wasp nests, which it will parasitize.

Host species

These wasps prefer to lay their eggs in nests of bembicine wasps, e.g. sand wasps and horse guard wasps.

Species

These species belong to the genus Sphaeropthalma:

References