The Biology of the Spider WaspPepsis Thisbe(Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) From Trans Pecos, Texas. I. Adult Morphometrics, Larval Development and the Ontogeny of Larval Feeding Patterns

摘要

Aspects of the natural history and behavioral ecology of the spiderwasp,Pepsis thisbewere studied in Trans Pecos, Texas withspecial emphasis on larval development and host interactions.Additional parameters studied include the physical dimensions ofthe egg, larval and adult size, fecundity, egg survivorship and durationof embryonic and postembryonic development as a function oftemperature and relative humidity (RH), larval growth and behavior,the relationship between adult wasp and host sizes, and ontogeneticchanges in larval feeding patterns. Eggs and larvae did notsurvive when exposed to xeric conditions (10% RH). Forty-onedays were required to progress from egg to emerged adult at 3℃and 70% RH.