Poecilopompilus algidus algidus (Smith)

Kurczewski, Frank E. & West, Rick C., 2023, Evaluation of North American spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) common names, Insecta Mundi 2023 (989), pp. 1-8 : 5

Poecilopompilus algidus algidus (Smith) (Frigid spider wasp)

The English derivative of the Latin word Algidus is “chilly.” But how many persons other than students of Latin know this? Poecilopompilus a. algidus is a rather large, attractive species that preys on rather large, colorful orbweaving spiders pursuing them on their orb-webs ( Fig. 9 ). There is nothing “frigid” or “chilly” about this hunting activity or the obligate parasitoid relationship with the spider!

Figures

Figures 7–12. Habitus photos of North American Pompilidae. 7) Entypus unifasciatus unifasciatus female, Rock Creek, Washington, DC, USA. Photograph © Landrum Beard. 8) Hemipepsis ustalata female, Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra La Laguna, Baja California Sur State, Mexico. Photograph © Steven Mlodinow. 9) Poecilopompilus algidus algidus female, Warsaw, Hancock County, IL, USA. Photograph © Angella Moorehouse. 10) Psorthaspis mariae female, Buffalo National River, Centerpoint Trail, Newton County, AR, USA, Photograph © Edward Trammel. 11) Tachypompilus unicolor unicolor female, Rocks National Reserve, Cassia County, ID, USA. Photograph © Steven Mlodinow. 12) Tachypompilus analis female, Twun Tong District, Hong Kong, People’s Republic of China. Photograph © Keith Chan.