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Chyphotes sp.
Bradynobaenidae
Churchill Co., Nevada, USA

photograph © Alex Wild 2004

Bradynobaenid wasps are infrequently seen insects that inhabit arid regions around the world.  Females, such as the Chyphotes pictured here, are wingless and resemble nocturnal velvet ants (Mutillidae).  Males are winged.  Little is known about their natural history, but they may be parasites of Solifugae, the sun scorpions.

 
USA, NV, Churchill Co.: Sand Springs Dune
7.vii.2004, 39º17'N 118º25'W, 1200m
Great Basin Desert, on sand dunes, 2200hr.


This image is copyrighted by the photographer and cannot be used without permission. To obtain permission to use this image, please email Alex Wild. (alwild (at) myrmecos.net).  Most of the photographs on myrmecos.net are reduced from their original size and compressed for more efficient web transmission.  In some cases, higher quality versions are available.

This image was captured with a Canon EOS D60, with a Canon 65/2.8 MPE 1-5x Macro lens.