The Tiphiid Wasps Of Florida

Tiphiid wasps are among the most conspicuous parasitic wasps in Florida because of their large size and the swarming habits of Myzinum males. These wasps attack soil-inhabiting beetle larvae, principally white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) which are lawn and turf pests. There are about 26 Florida species classified in 4 genera and 3 subfamilies. Male tiphiids (always winged) can be recognized from all other Florida wasps by the upcurved hook at the end of the abdomen (Figs. 2, 4). The females can be distinguished from the similar Scoliidae by having the wing membrane non-striate distally.