Brachymeriinae

Mani, 1938

Brachymeriinae is a of (Chalcididae) established by Mani in 1938. Members are primarily pupal of various . 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 across the of the ; 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

Life Cycle

Pupal . Development occurs within .

Ecological Role

agent of agricultural pests, particularly in rice .

Human Relevance

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

Similar Taxa

  • Other Chalcididae subfamiliesBrachymeriinae distinguished by pupal biology 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 on the .

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Sources and further reading