Neolarra
Ashmead, 1890
Neolarra is a of minute in the , containing approximately 16 described restricted to North America. These are that target nests of Perdita bees, laying that hatch into that consume the 's provisions and offspring. are exceptionally small, measuring less than a grain of rice. The genus was first described in 1890 by Ashmead, who initially misclassified it as a genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neolarra: //niːoʊˈlɑːrə//
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Identification
Distinguished from other by its extremely small size and association with Perdita nests. Separation from other minute requires detailed examination; the genus Phileremulus was synonymized as a subgenus of Neolarra. Specific -level identification is challenging and may require specialized taxonomic expertise.
Images
Appearance
Extremely small , smaller than a grain of rice. Specific morphological details of are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with the nesting sites of Perdita , which typically construct underground burrows in sandy or loose soils. Specific preferences of Neolarra itself are not independently documented.
Distribution
North America only. All approximately 16 described are restricted to this continent.
Seasonality
Activity patterns correspond to those of Perdita , which are typically active during spring and summer. Specific periods for Neolarra are not well documented.
Host Associations
- Perdita - laid in nests; consume host egg and pollen provisions
Life Cycle
are inserted into walls of , likely while the host is absent. possess a hard, sickle-shaped used to kill the host egg or larva. Developmental stages and details are not documented.
Behavior
Females enter nests during the host's absence to avoid . are concealed by insertion into walls rather than direct deposition on provisions. are aggressive that eliminate host offspring.
Ecological Role
of ground-nesting ; are dependent on Perdita availability. Specific impacts on host or broader functions are not quantified.
Human Relevance
No documented direct economic or agricultural significance. Of interest primarily to taxonomists and students of parasitic bee biology.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Originally described by Ashmead in 1890 as a of rather than ; this error was corrected by Baker in 1896.
More Details
Taxonomic history
The Phileremulus, erected in 1895 during the period when Neolarra was misclassified as , was revised by Charles Michener in 1939 to be a subgenus of Neolarra.