Last instar larva of Microstigmus nigrophthalmus Melo (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae, Pemphredoninae), with notes on biology

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The last instar larva of MicrostiglllLlS nigroplllllllimus Melo, 1992 is descri bed. It markedl y differs from that of M. comes Krombein, 1967 the only other species in the genus whose mature larva have been described, for features as follows: presence of spinnerets: setae on the labrum, maxillae and labium ; mandibles with tridentate apex and a bidentate lateral projection; lack of the conical supranal process. Notes on habitat, structure, and content of nests are also presented. KEY WORDS. M icrosriglllus Iligrophrhallllus , sphecoid wasp, morphology, larva. biology, behaviour, Brazil