Cyphononyx optimus

Cyphononyx optimus is a species of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae.[1]

Cyphononyx optimus
Cyphononyx optimus from Ethiopia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Family: Pompilidae
Genus: Cyphononyx
Species:
C. optimus
Binomial name
Cyphononyx optimus
(Smith, 1855)
Synonyms
  • Cyphononyx abyssinica Gribodo, 1879
  • Cyphononyx lynx Lucas, 1897
  • Pompilus momboensis Cameron
  • Pompilus optimus Smith, 1855
  • Priocnemis lynx Lucas
  • Priocnemis optimis Smith
  • Salius lynx Lucas
  • Salius melanoceras Cameron, 1910
  • Salius momboensis Cameron, 1910
  • Salius optimus (Smith) รน
  • Salius schoenlandi Cameron, 1905
  • Salius spilostomus Cameron, 1905

[1]

Description

C. optimus can reach a length around 50 mm (2.0 in). Body is completely black, with black antennae. Wings are black, too, with bluish reflections. Legs are yellowish.[2]

Females of this genus hunt and paralyse large spiders, mainly Palystes species.[3][2]

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in subtropical forests, savanna, and bushveld of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.[1][3][2]

References
  1. Catalogue of life
  2. Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths, Alan Weaving Field Guide to Insects of South Africa
  3. Wasp Web Archived 2015-02-24 at the Wayback Machine
  • Picker, M., Griffiths, C & Weaving, A. 2002. Field Guide to Insects of South Africa. Struik Publishers, Cape Town
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