Ampulex

Taxonomy

The Ampulex genus of wasps, belonging to the family Ampulicidae, are known for using live cockroaches as hosts for their larvae. They are part of the order Hymenoptera. Wasps in the genus Ampulex have a widespread distribution across various regions of the world. They are commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. There are only around 5 species of Ampulex native to Europe and the Americas and only 2 species native to our area in the Midwestern United States. At this time, we were unable to identify Ampulex specimens to species. 

Description

Wasps in the genus Ampulex exhibit distinctive physical features. They typically have slender bodies with elongated antennae and wings. Their coloration varies but often includes shades of black, brown, and yellow. One notable characteristic is their relatively large size compared to other wasp species. Females of certain species can reach up to 28mm in length. However, it is also common to see smaller species reach lengths of only 10 to 12mm. Ampulex wasps are known for their unique hunting behavior, where they sting and paralyze cockroaches before laying eggs on them. This behavior serves as a method of provisioning food for their developing larvae. Additionally, some species of Ampulex exhibit intriguing reproductive strategies, including manipulating the behavior of their hosts to ensure the survival of their offspring. 

Nest Structure

Wasps in the genus Ampulex have diverse nesting habitats. These wasps' nests vary from basic holes in the ground or occupying existing spaces, to crafting nests using clay or even plant fibers. As described above, their nests are provisioned with paralyzed cockroaches to feed emerging larvae. 

Hole Sizes

No information at this time.

Voltinism

Wasps in the genus Ampulex typically exhibit univoltinism, meaning they have one generation per year. 

Activity Period

No information at this time.

References

Marchiori, C. H. (2023). [Mini Review] Family Ampulicidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) as a parasitoid of cockroaches (Insecta: Blatidae). Qeios. doi:10.32388/A7HVOC.

SANBI. (2023). Cockroach-hunting wasps. Animal of the Week. South African National Biodiversity Institute. https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/cockroach-hunting-wasps/. (Accessed May 14, 2024).

Pires EM, Campos AK, Pereira MR, Nogueira RM, Campos LAO, Moreira PSA, Soares MA. 2014. First report of “jewel wasp” Ampulex compressa (Fabricius, 1781) (Hymenoptera: Ampulicidae) in the Amazon Biome of Brazil. Braz J Biol 74:S233-S234.