Crabronidae

Crabronidae is a diverse family of mostly solitary wasps in the order Hymenoptera. Members occur worldwide in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to forests, and include many genera and species. The family is characterized by a variety of body forms, but many species have a medium size, a slender waist, and coloration that ranges from plain black to patterned with yellow or white markings.

Ecology and behavior form a central part of their biology. Most crabronids are predatory or parasitoid as larvae, and females provision their nests with paralyzed prey for their developing offspring. Nesting sites are varied: many species dig burrows in bare or sandy soil, while others nest in hollow plant stems, hollow wood, or pre-existing cavities. Some genera specialize on particular prey types, such as flies, beetles, bees, or spiders, whereas others are less selective. Adults typically feed on nectar and pollen, visiting flowers for sustenance.

Life cycle and reproduction proceed through the typical wasp stages. Eggs are laid in association with the stored prey, the larvae feed on the paralyzed prey, then pupate within the cell before emerging as adults. The life cycle is typically seasonal, with multiple generations occurring in warmer climates.

Taxonomy and significance are notable within Hymenoptera. The family comprises several subfamilies, including Bembicinae, Crabroninae, Pemphredoninae, and Philanthinae, among others. Classification has evolved with advances in molecular phylogenetics, and some genera have shifted among families in various historical schemes. Crabronids play important ecological roles as predators and as part of complex food webs, while generally posing little risk to humans.