JOURNAL ARTICLE

Parasitoidism of Aphonopelma hentzi (Girard, 1852) (Araneae: Theraphosidae) and first records of Pepsis mildeiStål, 1857 (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) in Missouri, U.S.A.

  • Published In: Pan-Pacific Entomologist, 2025, v. 101, n. 4. P. 305 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Hansis-O'Neill, Becky; MacRae, Ted C. 3 of 3

Abstract

The article focuses on the observation of parasitoidism involving the tarantula Aphonopelma hentzi and the wasp Pepsis mildei in Missouri, marking the first recorded instance of this wasp species in the state. The female Pepsis wasp paralyzes the tarantula with its venom and lays an egg on it, which later hatches and consumes the spider. The observation took place at Victoria Glades Conservation Area, a site known for its unique dolomite glade ecosystem, which is under conservation management. The findings highlight the ecological interactions between these species and raise concerns about the impact of predation on tarantula populations in low-density habitats. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Pan-Pacific Entomologist. 2025/10, Vol. 101, Issue 4, p305
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Zoology
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0031-0603
  • DOI:10.3956/2025-101.4.305
  • Accession Number:190225401
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