Notocyphus dorsalis
This record describes Notocyphus dorsalis (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
- Notocyphinae
- Genus
- Notocyphus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Arid desert scrub and grasslands. Often on flowers.
Geographic Range
s.CA west to s.-c.TX & MO The subspecies appear to separate in the eastern half of NM, but there are few records from NM; more study is needed. - Nick Fensler
Seasonal Activity
Mainly Jul‒Sep
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults visit flowers, especially milkweed. Koinobiont on Theraphosidae (tarantulas) or Halonoproctidae (cork-lid trapdoor spiders):
Life History
The female stings a tarantula and temporarily paralyzes it. The wasp then lays an egg on the spider. The spider recovers and the eggs hatches, the larva feeding on non-essential tissues first. When development is complete little is left of the spider; the larva pupates using silk and inedible pieces of the spider's exoskeleton. There appears to be a single generation per year.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Notocyphus dorsalis Cresson 1872
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Notocyphus dorsalis. 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 Notocyphus dorsalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Nick Fensler; Additional contributions by v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Notocyphus dorsalis
How big is Notocyphus dorsalis?
15‒20 mm
Where is Notocyphus dorsalis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Arid desert scrub and grasslands. Often on flowers. |
| Range | s.CA west to s.-c.TX & MO The subspecies appear to separate in the eastern half of NM, but there are few records from NM; more study is needed. - Nick Fensler |
What does Notocyphus dorsalis eat?
The diet of the Notocyphus dorsalis includes Adults visit flowers, especially milkweed. Koinobiont on Theraphosidae (tarantulas) or Halonoproctidae (cork-lid trapdoor spiders):.
When is Notocyphus dorsalis active?
Notocyphus dorsalis: seasonal activity - Mainly Jul‒Sep.
What is the life cycle of a Notocyphus dorsalis?
The female stings a tarantula and temporarily paralyzes it. The wasp then lays an egg on the spider. The spider recovers and the eggs hatches, the larva feeding on non-essential tissues first. When development is complete little is left of the spider; the larva pupates using silk and inedible pieces of the spider's exoskeleton. There appears to be a single generation per year.