Cyphononyx optimus

Cyphononyx optimus
Cyphononyx optimus from Ethiopia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Suborder: Apocrita
Superfamily: Vespoidea
Family: Pompilidae
Subfamily: Pepsinae
Genus: Cyphononyx
Species: C. optimus
Binomial name
Cyphononyx optimus
(Smith, 1855)
Synonyms
  • Cyphononyx abyssinica Gribodo, 1879
  • Cyphononyx lynx Lucas, 1897
  • Pompilus momboensis Cameron
  • Pompilus optimus Smith, 1855
  • Priocnemis lynx Lucas
  • Priocnemis optimis Smith
  • Salius lynx Lucas
  • Salius melanoceras Cameron, 1910
  • Salius momboensis Cameron, 1910
  • Salius optimus (Smith) รน
  • Salius schoenlandi Cameron, 1905
  • Salius spilostomus Cameron, 1905

[1]

Cyphononyx optimus is a species of spider hunting wasps in the family Pompilidae. [1]

Description

Cyphononyx optimus can reach a length of about 50 millimetres (2.0 in). Body is completely black, with black antennae. Wings are black too, with bluish reflections. Legs are yellowish.[2]

Females of this genus hunt and paralyse large spiders, mainly Palystes species.[3][2]

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in subtropical forests, savanna and bushveld of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe. [1][3][2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Catalogue of life
  2. 1 2 3 Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths, Alan Weaving Field Guide to Insects of South Africa
  3. 1 2 Wasp Web
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