Comportamiento de Sphex jamaicensis Durante la Nidificacion y Notas Sobre S. mandibularis y S. cubensis (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

摘要

Four species of the genus Sphex occur in Cuba, with S. Jamaicensis (Drury) being the most common. Aspects of the nesting behavior of S. jamaicensis, S. mandibularis Cresson and S. cubensis (Fernald) were studied in several localities during 1986-1993. S. jamaicensis was a progressive provisioner nesting in a variety of soils with different grades of compactation. The nests were unicellular and prey considered prima- rily of nymphal and adult Orochairis sp. (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). The nests of S. mandibularis and S. cuben- sis were provisioned in mass and presented several cells. Other elements of the nesting behavior of these species are described.