ABSTRACT
Neanoplius Banks, 1947 is a monotypic genus of Neotropical spider wasp. It has been ignored in taxonomic works since its description. We redescribe the genus and type species, provide illustrations, provide additional characters to help separate it from other closely related genera, and provide a discussion of probable evolutionary relationships of this interesting genus.
Subject(s)
Hymenoptera , Wasps , Animals , Biological Evolution , PhylogenyABSTRACT
The stings of bees, wasps, and ants are something that catches the attention of anyone that experiences them. While many recent studies have focused on the pain inflicted by the stings of various stinging wasps, bees, or ants (Hymenoptera: Aculeata), little is known about how the length of the sting itself varies between species. Here, we investigate the sting length of a variety of aculeate wasps, and compare that to reported pain and toxicity values. We find that velvet ants (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae) have the longest sting compared to their body size out of any bee, wasp, or ant species. We also find that there is no link between relative sting length and pain; however, we did find an inverse relationship between relative sting length and toxicity with taxa having shorter relative stings being more toxic. While we found a significant relationship between host use and relative sting length, we suggest that the long sting length of the velvet ants is also related to their suite of defenses to avoid predation.
ABSTRACT
A study of Sphaeropthalma Blake from the southwestern USA has revealed a highly autapomorphic undescribed species. This species is described here as S. tapio Pitts & Sadler, sp. nov., and is placed in a new species-group, the S. tapio species-group. This species seems to be found only at higher altitudes in southern Arizona. It is compared to other similar Sphaeropthalma species-groups and is likely most closely related to members of the S. imperialis species-group. An updated species-group classification of Sphaeropthalma is provided.
