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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