Prionyx | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hymenoptera |
Family: | Sphecidae |
Subfamily: | Sphecinae |
Genus: | Prionyx Vander Linden, 1827 |
Type species | |
Prionyx kirbii Vander Linden, 1827 [1] | |
Synonyms [2] | |
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Prionyx is a genus of wasps in the family Sphecidae. They are known to hunt and feed on grasshoppers.
Prior to laying their eggs the female Prionyx stings a grasshopper causing paralysis. She will then bury the grasshopper in a burrow she has excavated, lay an egg on the body, and then seal the burrow. When the egg develops it feeds on the grasshopper until it has matured, and then pupates.
The name Prionyx comes from the Greek words "Prion" (Saw) and "Onyx/Onychus" (Claw), which refers to the saw-like endings on the creature's legs.
These species belong to the genus Prionyx:
Data sources: i = ITIS, [2] c = Catalogue of Life, [3] g = GBIF, [4] b = Bugguide.net [5] WPC = Wojciech J. Pulawski's Catalog (Accessed March, 2025, but not in ITIS etc using same older source from 2019)