Colin PurringtonJun 10, 2024
A male Trypoxylon collinum guarding a nesting tunnel while the female forages for spiders. One of several pairs at the insect hotel in my front yard. #wasps #insects #hymentoptera #entomology #nature #spiders #InsectHotel #MacroPhotography
Show threadcthululemon
@colinpurrington
Amazing eyes!
Jun 11, 2024 at 1:17amWeb
Show threadColin PurringtonJun 11, 2024
@cthululemon The emarginate (notched) eyes are one of the useful diagnostic features for this genus. Shows up in other wasps, too, though, so not unique. E.g., Scoliidae, Pison, probably many others. Here's another view from a past year.
Show threadcthululemonJun 11, 2024
@colinpurrington
That’s really neat. Am I imagining that it makes this critter look a bit fly-like?
Show threadColin PurringtonJun 11, 2024
@cthululemon Flies and wasps both have big eyes, but Trypoxylon body shape is unlike that of most flies.
Show threadcthululemonJun 11, 2024
@colinpurrington
Right, sorry, I just meant that its head/eyes look a bit fly-like. Maybe it’s also the small mandibles.
Show threadColin PurringtonJun 11, 2024
@cthululemon Ah, yes, definitely.