Brachymeriinae

Mani, 1938

Genus Guides

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Brachymeriinae is a of chalcidid wasps (Chalcididae) established by Mani in 1938. Members are primarily pupal of various insects. Some are characterized by females having an elongate syntergum, referred to as 'long tailed' species. The subfamily includes economically important species used in of agricultural pests.

Brachymeriinae by (c) RAP, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by RAP. Used under a CC-BY license.Brachymeriinae by (c) Alan Manson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alan Manson. Used under a CC-BY license.Brachymeria by no rights reserved, uploaded by Earl Agpawa. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Brachymeriinae: /bræ.kɪˈmɛr.i.aɪ.neɪ/

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Identification

Females of some possess a conspicuously elongate syntergum, creating a 'long tailed' appearance. Species in the subconica group have a transverse carina across the vertex of the ocellus; species lacking this carina are excluded from this group.

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Habitat

Diverse including agricultural , particularly rice fields. Some have been collected near ground-nesting tunnels.

Distribution

distribution including Neotropical region (Trinidad), India, and southern India.

Host Associations

  • Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (rice leaf folder) - pupal Brachymeria swaminathani sp. nov.
  • unidentified Bembix (Crabronidae) larva - possible Tentative association for B. trinidadensis based on collection proximity; was feeding on unidentified Tabanidae

Life Cycle

Pupal . Development occurs within pupae.

Ecological Role

agent of agricultural pests, particularly in rice .

Human Relevance

Used as agents for crop pests. Some appear to be accidentally introduced to new regions through human activity.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Chalcididae subfamiliesBrachymeriinae distinguished by pupal and specific morphological characters such as syntergum structure in females

More Details

Taxonomic notes

The subconica group has been redefined; B. trinidadensis and B. laetiliae were removed based on absence of the transverse carina on the vertex.

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