File: <pompi1.ima.htm> [For educational purposes only] Terminology Glossary <Principal Natural Enemy Groups > <Citations>

Immature Stages of Pompilidae

Detailed information on immature stages of Pompilidae (= Psammocharidae) is being acquired. However, Clausen (1940) discussed adult behavior of a number of species. He noted that the parasitoid larva hatches before the host, and the young larva destroys the egg of the latter and completes its development upon a spider that was provided by its mother.

The cocoons of the species that develop in cells in the soil often are very similar to those of Scoliidae and Tiphiidae. The pupa of Pompilidae may be readily distinguished from those of the other families by the presence of highly developed lateral processes upon the abdomen, which serve as braces to hold it away from direct contact with the cocoon wall.

References: Please refer to <biology.ref.htm>

[Additional references may be found at: MELVYL Library]