Cryptocheilus notatus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Cryptocheilus notatus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Pompilidae |
| Genus: | Cryptocheilus |
| Species: | C. notatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Cryptocheilus notatus (Rossi, 1792) | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Cryptocheilus notatus is the largest species of spider wasps (Pompilidae) to be found in Great Britain reaching up to 18 mm in length.
Cryptocheilus notatus constructs multi-celled nests and they require quite substantial pre-existing cavities, the wasp does very little digging herself. Nesting sites have included mammal burrows, notably those of the European Mole (Talpa europaea), but it will utilise disused invertebrate nest sites, which it will expand.
Prey recorded in Britain includes Drassodes cupreus, a large nocturnal ground spider from the Gnaphosidae.[2]
