Prionyx
| Prionyx | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Suborder: | Apocrita |
| Superfamily: | Apoidea |
| Family: | Sphecidae |
| Subfamily: | Sphecinae |
| Genus: | Prionyx |
Prionyx is a genus of wasps in the Sphecidae family. They're known to hunt and feed on grasshoppers.
Behavior
Prior to laying their eggs the female Prionyx stings a grasshopper causing paralysis. She will then bury the grasshopper in a shaded hole and lay an egg on the body. When the egg develops it feeds on the grasshopper until it has matured enough to seek its own food.
Name Origin
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.
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