Aphelininae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphelininae: /ɑfəˈlɪnɪniː/

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Summary

Aphelininae is a subfamily of chalcid wasps known for their parasitoid behavior, with many species being utilized in biological control programs.

Physical Characteristics

Small size characteristic of chalcid wasps, belonging to the family Aphelinidae.

Identification Tips

Identification of Aphelininae can often be made by examining the unique morphological features of the adults and their specific color patterns.

Habitat

Commonly found in various terrestrial habitats; often associated with host plants where they parasitize pest insects.

Distribution

Approximately 70 species in 5 genera in the specified region; around 320 species in 11 genera worldwide.

Diet

Parasitoids, primarily feeding on the larvae of other insects, including various pest species.

Life Cycle

Complete metamorphosis with egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages; larvae are typically endoparasitic in host organisms.

Reproduction

Mating occurs shortly after emergence; females lay eggs inside or on the surface of host insects.

Predators

Predators include various insectivorous species such as birds and other predatory wasps.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as biological control agents, helping to regulate populations of pest insect species.

Economic Impact

They can have significant benefits in agriculture by controlling pest populations naturally.

Collecting Methods

• Sweep netting
• Sticky traps
• Rearing from host insects

Preservation Methods

• Pinned specimens
• Ethanol preservation
• Slide preparation for microscopic examination

Similar Taxa

• Chalcids
• Aphelinidae
• Encyrtidae

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for flies due to their small size and wing structure.

Tags

• Entomology
• Biological control
• Chalcid wasps
• Aphelinidae
• Insects