SUPERFAMILY SPHECOIDEA Meaning and
Definition
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Superfamily Sphecoidea is a taxonomic classification that refers to a diverse group of insects commonly known as digger wasps. This superfamily belongs to the order Hymenoptera, which encompasses bees, wasps, and ants. These insects are characterized by their relatively large size, elongated bodies, and prominent mandibles. Superfamily Sphecoidea includes around 200 genera and over 8,000 recognized species.
Digger wasps are primarily solitary insects, and each female constructs her own nest for offspring. They are known for their remarkable hunting and provisioning behavior, as they capture and paralyze other arthropods to serve as food for their larvae. The prey is usually stung to immobilize it and then transported to the nest where it is laid as food for the hatching larvae.
Members of Superfamily Sphecoidea exhibit diverse nesting habits, with some species digging tunnels in the ground, while others nest in pre-existing cavities such as wood burrows or hollow plant stems. Nests are usually provisioned with individual cells containing a single paralyzed prey and an egg.
These insects play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics as they help control populations of other arthropods while also acting as important pollinators. The diverse morphology, behavior, and ecological roles of the Superfamily Sphecoidea make it a fascinating area of study for researchers interested in the biology and evolution of hymenopteran insects.
Common Misspellings for SUPERFAMILY SPHECOIDEA
- auperfamily sphecoidea
- zuperfamily sphecoidea
- xuperfamily sphecoidea
- duperfamily sphecoidea
- euperfamily sphecoidea
- wuperfamily sphecoidea
- syperfamily sphecoidea
- shperfamily sphecoidea
- sjperfamily sphecoidea
- siperfamily sphecoidea
- s8perfamily sphecoidea
- s7perfamily sphecoidea
- suoerfamily sphecoidea
- sulerfamily sphecoidea
- su-erfamily sphecoidea
- su0erfamily sphecoidea
- supwrfamily sphecoidea
- supsrfamily sphecoidea
- supdrfamily sphecoidea
Etymology of SUPERFAMILY SPHECOIDEA
The word "Superfamily Sphecoidea" has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin. Let's break it down:
1. Superfamily: The term "superfamily" comes from the Latin prefix "super-" meaning "above" or "over", and the word "family" indicating a classification level in biological taxonomy. So, "superfamily" refers to a higher classification level above the family in the taxonomic hierarchy.
2. Sphecoidea: The term "Sphecoidea" is derived from the Greek word "sphekos" meaning "wasp". In biological classification, it is common to name superfamilies after a dominant or characteristic family within that superfamily. In this case, the wasps (family Sphecidae) are the characteristic family, and the superfamily is named after them.
