Behavioral Records on Neotropical Species of Anoplius Dufour (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Nesting, prey transportation mechanisms, and host preference are described for two Neotropical pompilid wasp species: Anoplius sp. and Anoplius triquetrus (Fox). Observations were made in a restinga area, in Regência district, Espírito Santo state, Brazil. Several Anoplius sp. individuals were observed foraging in small patches of vegetation along a beach, whereas A. triquetrus was observed and subsequently caught carrying a Psauridae spider into a nest on a sandy trail in a restinga forest. This is the first behavioral record for the genus Anoplius in South America. Finally, we formally move Psammochares triquetra (Fox) to the Anoplius subgenus Notiochares Banks.