CRABRONINAE Meaning and
Definition
-
Crabroninae is a subfamily of wasps that belongs to the family Crabronidae. The subfamily is predominantly found in the Western Hemisphere, particularly in North and South America.
These wasps are characterized by their distinct body shape, which is often robust and elongated. They typically measure between 6 and 20 millimeters in length, with females being larger than males. Crabroninae species exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns, with some displaying vibrant combinations of black, yellow, and orange, while others are more subdued.
In terms of behavior, Crabroninae are known for their hunting and provisioning habits. They are solitary wasps that build nests in a variety of habitats, such as soil, sand, or wood. Unlike some other wasp species, they do not live in colonies or exhibit social behavior. Crabroninae mainly feed on nectar and pollen, but they are also highly skilled hunters. They capture a variety of prey, including insects like flies, beetles, and spiders, which they paralyze and then store in their nests. The paralyzed prey serves as food for their developing offspring.
Overall, Crabroninae play an essential role in ecosystem functioning by acting as natural predators of various insect populations. Their hunting and feeding habits are vital for maintaining a balance in the ecosystem, controlling the populations of potential pest insects, and promoting biodiversity.
Etymology of CRABRONINAE
The term Crabroninae comes from the field of entomology and specifically refers to a subfamily of wasps known as Crabronidae. The word Crabroninae is derived from the Latin word Crabro, which means wasp or hornet. The -inae suffix is commonly used in taxonomy to denote a subfamily. Therefore, Crabroninae can be translated as the subfamily of wasps resembling Crabro.
