More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Wasps of Zihuatanejo
ORDER HYMENOPTERA
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)
-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)
-Ants, Bees, Wasps, and Sawflies (Order Hymenoptera)
-Narrow-waisted Wasps, Ants, and Bees (Suborder Apocrita)
-Ichneumonid and Braconid Wasps (Superfamily Ichneumonoidea)
-Ichneumonid Wasps (Family Ichneumonidae)
-Subfamily Cryptinae
-Tribe Cryptini
-Subtribe Mesostenina
-Genus Cryptanura
-Cryptanura spinaria
Parasitoid wasps within the family Ichneumonidae, which is one of the largest families of parasitoid wasps. Known for their parasitic behavior, where the female wasps lay their eggs on or inside the bodies of other insects. They generally have a slender, elongated body shape, Their antennae are typically long and slender, often as long or longer than the body, and they use these antennae for sensory purposes, such as detecting host chemicals or vibrations.
Cryptanura spinaria
Description
• Cryptanura spinaria is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Members of the genus Cryptanura are slender wasps with long antennae and often striking reddish, orange, yellow, or dark markings. Like other ichneumonid wasps, this species uses an ovipositor to lay eggs in or on an insect host, where its larvae develop.
Range
• Cryptanura spinaria belongs to a genus found primarily in the Americas, particularly tropical and subtropical regions. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• This wasp is associated with vegetated habitats, including tropical dry forest, woodland edges, and scrub. Adults may be encountered resting on foliage or moving through vegetation while searching for suitable hosts.
Diet
• Adults likely feed on nectar and other sugary plant secretions. The larvae are parasitoids of other insects.