Allochares azureus
This record describes Allochares azureus (species). Recorded family: Pompilidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Pompiloidea
- Family
- Pompilidae (Spider Wasps)
- Subfamily
- Pompilinae
- Tribe
- Pompilini
- Genus
- Allochares
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Females are usually found around buildings, searching for prey. Also found at flowers.
Geographic Range
Found in the extreme southern U.S., most common in Florida and s. California.
Seasonal Activity
Collection records indicate that this species is present from April to December.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults frequently visit flowers ( Solidago , Baccharis , Acacia , Asclepias , Condalia , Hyptis , and Colubrina ). Females use the spider Filistata hibernalis as larval provisions.
Life History
This wasp has an extremely interesting life cycle. After a female has mated she searches out a Filistata spider, attacks it in its own web (hence the lack of spines and modified tarsal claws, so not to get tangled in the web), and paralyses it. She then leaves the spider in its own web, wrapping it in strands of the spider's own silk. The larve then pupates in the web. There are several generations per year.
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Allochares azureus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Allochares azureus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nick Fensler
Frequently Asked Questions About Allochares azureus
How big is Allochares azureus?
8-12 mm (females>males).
Where is Allochares azureus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Females are usually found around buildings, searching for prey. Also found at flowers. |
| Range | Found in the extreme southern U.S., most common in Florida and s. California. |
What does Allochares azureus eat?
The diet of the Allochares azureus includes Adults frequently visit flowers ( Solidago , Baccharis , Acacia , Asclepias , Condalia , Hyptis , and Colubrina ). Females use the spider Filistata hibernalis as larval provisions..
When is Allochares azureus active?
Allochares azureus: seasonal activity - Collection records indicate that this species is present from April to December..
What is the life cycle of a Allochares azureus?
This wasp has an extremely interesting life cycle. After a female has mated she searches out a Filistata spider, attacks it in its own web (hence the lack of spines and modified tarsal claws, so not to get tangled in the web), and paralyses it. She then leaves the spider in its own web, wrapping it in strands of the spider's own silk. The larve then pupates in the web. There are several generations per year.