The first known troglomorphic, eyeless spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): <scp> <i>Troglopompilus miracaecatus</i> </scp> gen. et sp. nov. from the Nullarbor Caves, Western Australia

Abstract Surveys of caves of the Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia, revealed a remarkable assemblage of exceptionally well‐preserved mummified arthropods, comprising Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera and Chilopoda, all of which exhibit high levels of troglomorphism, lacking eyes and showing a number of other adaptations. Of note, this arthropod assemblage also included a pompilid wasp which is eyeless and brachypterous and unlike any member of the family known globally. Here, we describe this amazing wasp as Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov. , and discuss its remarkable morphology and possible affinities and biology.

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Publication Details

Journal
Austral Entomology
Published
2026-04-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.70061
Primary Topic
Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

The first known troglomorphic, eyeless spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov. from the Nullarbor Caves, Western Australia

Jessica Marsh, Juanita Rodríguez, Andrew D. Austin
Austral Entomology
Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy
article

The first known troglomorphic, eyeless spider wasp (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae): Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov. from the Nullarbor Caves, Western Australia

Jessica Marsh, Juanita Rodríguez, Andrew D. Austin
article en

Abstract

Abstract Surveys of caves of the Nullarbor Plain, Western Australia, revealed a remarkable assemblage of exceptionally well‐preserved mummified arthropods, comprising Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera and Chilopoda, all of which exhibit high levels of troglomorphism, lacking eyes and showing a number of other adaptations. Of note, this arthropod assemblage also included a pompilid wasp which is eyeless and brachypterous and unlike any member of the family known globally. Here, we describe this amazing wasp as Troglopompilus miracaecatus gen. et sp. nov. , and discuss its remarkable morphology and possible affinities and biology.

Austral EntomologyVol. 65(2)
UCL Australia (AU), Australian National Insect Collection (AU), The University of Adelaide (AU)
Openalex Percentile: Top 23%
Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy
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