First host record, nesting behavior, and taxonomic position of the spider wasp genus Hesperopompilus Evans and some other Evans genera (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae)

Abstract

First host record, prey transport, and burrow excavation are described for Hesperopompilus sp., an undescribed, rare spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) from Texas. Taxonomic, ecological, and behavioral examination of the genus subsequently led to an investigation of the previously related Perissopompilus Evans and Xerochares Evans. Taxonomic, host preference, nesting behavior, and phylogenomic relationships of the three taxa are discussed along with those of Xenopompilus Evans. The molecular connection of Perissopompilus and Allochares Banks is supported by their common use of host species of Filistatidae.