Ampulicidae

Ampulicidae is a family of insects belonging to the order Hymenoptera, commonly known as digger wasps. These wasps are characterized by their predatory nature, primarily targeting cockroaches. The family is relatively small, with only a few genera and a limited number of species found worldwide, though they are most diverse in tropical and subtropical regions.

A defining feature of Ampulicidae is their remarkable hunting strategy. Female wasps subdue their cockroach prey by delivering a venomous sting to specific nerve ganglia. This sting does not immediately kill the cockroach but rather paralyzes it in a unique way, often rendering it immobile for an extended period while still alive. The wasp then transports the paralyzed cockroach to a pre-prepared nest, typically a burrow in the ground or a hollow stem.

Once inside the nest, the wasp lays a single egg on the body of the paralyzed cockroach. The larva, upon hatching, feeds on the still-living but immobilized cockroach, consuming it gradually until it pupates and eventually emerges as an adult wasp. This specialized brood parasitism, where the wasp provides a living food source for its offspring, is a hallmark of their life cycle. While some species may exhibit communal nesting or share burrow systems, they are generally solitary hunters and providers. The wasps themselves are typically nectar feeders as adults.