Cyphononyx optimus

Cyphononyx optimus is a species of spider wasps in the family Pompilidae.

Description

C. optimus can reach a total length of about. The body length of females is 19-26 mm, and of males, 14-18 mm. has black antennae, thorax and abdomen. The head is mostly black. The legs, are ferruginous excepting the coxae, trochanters and base of the femora, which are black. The wings are black, too, with bluish reflections.
Females of this genus hunt and paralyse large spiders, mainly Palystes species.

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in subtropical forests, savanna, and bushveld of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. It is fairly common in areas with abundant rainfall.