Subfamily
Philanthinae
Cerceris sextoides. Photo: (c) brianjdykstranativebeesociety, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
The subfamilly Philanthinae is one of the largest groups in the wasp family Crabronidae, with about 1100 species in 9 genera, most of them in Cerceris; Alexander treats it as having only 8 genera. Historically, this subfamily has frequently been accorded family status. The subfamily consists of solitary, predatory wasps, each genus having its own distinct and consistent prey preferences. The adult females dig tunnels in the ground for nesting.
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