Global InformationTachysphex nigerrimus information
| Tachysphex nigerrimus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Crabronidae |
| Genus: | Tachysphex |
| Species: | T. nigerrimus
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| Binomial name | |
| Tachysphex nigerrimus (Smith), 1856
| |
Tachysphex nigerrimus, also known as the black cockroach hunter, is a species of wasp in the family Crabronidae. It is endemic to New Zealand, the only species of Tachysphex that occurs there.[1]
This species is found throughout New Zealand.[1] It makes small, simple burrows in sand or in silty riverbanks above flood level.[1][2] The female T. nigerrimus hunts for native cockroaches (such as Celatoblatta or Parellipsidion), which she stings, paralysing them, and drags or flies them back to her burrow.[1][2] The curved, white eggs of T. nigerrimus are 3.5 mm long by 0.7 mm wide and are laid on and cemented to the cockroach and the larval wasp eats it alive.[1][2] Each larva is typically provisioned with three cockroaches.[1][2]
Tachysphex nigerrimus was nominated for New Zealand Bug of the Year in 2024, and came in 19th place of 20 contenders.[3][4]
- ^ a b c d e f Andrew Crowe (2002), Which New Zealand Insect?, Auckland: Penguin Books, p. 71, Wikidata Q120878300
- ^ a b c d Cite error: The named reference
:1was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Lewis, John. "Hope set on 'cute' cockroach-hunter wasp". Otago Daily Times Online News. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
- ^ "New Zealand Bug of the Year". Retrieved 2024-02-15.