Species Account for Arachnospila spissa
Arachnospila spissa (Schioedte, 1837)
a spider-hunter wasp
Aculeata: Pompilidae
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Taxonomic group: bees and wasps (Aculeata) - County data
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Essex RDB: Listed
Threat: Essex Threatened
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prey Lycosidae
Species text
It is a medium sized ground nesting spider hunting wasp which is widespread and locally common. There are few records in Essex, mostly near the Thames in the south of the county. It has been found in a variety of habitats on various soils in well-vegetated places including woodland. The wasp has been observed to attack large lycosid spiders like Alopecosa pulverulenta whilst the spider is in its burrow guarding its egg sac (Day 1988). The spider is paralysed before oviposition and the burrow entrance blocked with vegetable detritus. References
Habitats
Recorded management for locations with Arachnospila spissa
Recorded substrate and hydrology for locations with Arachnospila spissa
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