Ampulicidae
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Ampulex |
The Ampulicidae, or Cockroach wasps, is a small (approx. 200 species), primarily tropical group of sphecoid wasps, all of which use various roaches as prey items for their larvae. They tend to have elongated jaws, a pronounced neck-like constriction behind the head, a strongly petiolate abdomen, and deep grooves on the thorax. Many are quite ant-like in appearance, though some are brilliant metallic blue or green. Most species sting the roach, paralyzing it with their venom, and then walk backwards while dragging the roach to a burrow, where an egg will be laid upon it. At times, it has even been observed (in Ampulex compressa) that the roach is not paralyzed, but will remain motionless if left alone, and follow along where the wasp leads it when its antenna (which the wasp clips with its mandibles) is tugged upon.
