Priocnemis coriacea
| Priocnemis coriacea | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | P. coriacea
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| Binomial name | |
| Priocnemis coriacea Dahlbom, 1843
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Priocnemis medoca | |
Priocnemis coriacea is a large species of pepsid spider wasp characterised by having plentiful erect hair on the face and propodum. It is a member of the subgenus Umbripennis.
Distribution
P. coriacea is an uncommon species which is scarce in central Europe, rare in northern and southern Europe.[2] In Great Britain it is widely distributed through southern and central England.[3]
Habitat
P. coriacea shows a preference for light soils in open habitats such as downland and thinly wooded heathland.[3]
Biology
In Great Britain the flight period is April to August, although it has been stated that June as the latest date.[3]
No prey items have been recorded but it is likely that P. coriacea takes larger species of the families Lycosidae and Gnaphosidae.[2] Its nesting biology is largely unknown but the members of Priocnemis generally use pre-existing cavities and then excavate a number of cells within them. The only flower which P. coriacea has been recorded feeding on is wood spurge, but it may visit a wide range of flowers, so long as they have short corollas.[3]
References
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