Biology:Cyphononyx optimus

Short description: Species of wasp

Cyphononyx optimus
Cyphononyx optimus from Ethiopia
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Pompilidae
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) ù Salius schoenlandi Cameron, 1905 Salius spilostomus Cameron, 1905

Cyphononyx optimus is a species of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae.

Description

C. optimus can reach a length around 50 mm (2.0 in). The body is completely black, with black antennae. The wings are black, too, with bluish reflections. Legs are yellowish.

Females of this genus hunt and paralyse large spiders, mainly Palystes species.

Distribution and habitat

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

References

• Picker, M., Griffiths, C & Weaving, A. 2002. Field Guide to Insects of South Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town

Wikidata ☰ Q19596698 entry