Crypticus quisquilius als gastheer van de Duinplatkop (Epyris brevipennis)

Due to thier cryptic life style, hosts of many Bethylid wasps are unknown. Members of the subfamily Epyrinae predominantly use beetle larvae as hosts. Here I report Crypticus quisquilius (Tenebrionidae) as a possible host for Epyris brevipennis. In captivity the attack behaviour was observed by a number of wasps. E. brevipennis females sting their host in or nearby the suboesophagial ganglion. One sting causes an irreversible immobilisation of the locomotory activities. Host-feeding takes place near the coxae (coxal glands). Host handling behaviour, so far, is very similar to that of Laelius pedatus on Dermestid beetle larvae. Oviposition was not observed and is subject of discussion.