Exoprosopa
Macquart, 1840
Exoprosopa is a large of () comprising over 325 described . Members are among the largest , reaching up to 22 mm body length and 64 mm wingspan. The genus exhibits striking patterns and abdominal banding, with many species showing . Species are found worldwide, with exceptional diversity in Southern Africa (over 135 species). As , they target a broad range of including and .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exoprosopa: //ɛksoʊˈproʊsoʊpə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other by combination of large size, loosely attached large , short , and boldly patterned . The banded abdominal pattern with or pale on is characteristic. in coloration occurs in many . Similar genera in Anthracinae may be separated by wing pattern details and abdominal scaling; precise identification often requires examination of .
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Appearance
Large-bodied , body length 6–22 mm (most 14 mm or larger). disproportionately large and loosely attached to . small and widely separated. short relative to body size. exceptionally large, wingspan 40–64 mm, nearly always with bold contrasting patterns. patterned, often banded with or pale on 6–7 or across all segments. Many exhibit in coloration or pattern.
Distribution
. Found on all continents except Antarctica. Southern Africa is a center of diversity with over 135 . Additional records from Europe, Mediterranean Basin, North Africa, Levant, southern Balkans, Scandinavia, and North America.
Host Associations
- locusts - larval
- wasp larvae - larval
Ecological Role
Larval of various ; contributes to of and .
Similar Taxa
More Details
Taxonomic note
Exoprosopa pandora (Fabricius, 1805), the , was long confused with E. baccha Loew, now synonymized. The species occurs in North Africa, the Levant, and southern Balkans.
Diversity
With over 325 described , Exoprosopa is one of the largest in . The concentration of 135+ species in Southern Africa suggests a major radiation in that region.