Conura

Spinola, 1837

Conura is a large of comprising over 300 described , with approximately 295 species occurring in the New World. The genus is divided into three subgenera and 63 species groups based on morphological patterns. Species exhibit diverse strategies including primary of lepidopteran and hyperparasitism through other wasps.

Conura melana by (c) gonodactylus, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by gonodactylus. Used under a CC-BY license.

Conura maria by (c) Kyle Rossner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kyle Rossner. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Conura: //kəˈnʊrə//

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Images

Habitat

Primarily associated with the Neotropical region; specific associations include palm trees ( and ) where occur.

Distribution

Mostly distributed in the New World, with approximately 279 in the Neotropical region. Documented from Argentina (Corrientes province), Brazil (Amazon rainforest, Ceará), Panama, California, Florida, and Venezuela.

Host Associations

Opsiphanes invirae amplificatus - of ; 85 emerged from 3 chrysalides indicating gregarious
Cotesia congregata - of ; 16 individuals emerged from 296 pupal of this
Zatypota riverai - of through this (Theridion spp.)

Life Cycle

Gregarious observed in some , with multiple emerging from single or . Development occurs within host pupal or chrysalides.

Behavior

Exhibits swarming at specific sites. Some show gregarious with multiple individuals developing per . species demonstrate multi- interactions involving and intermediate hosts.

Ecological Role

Functions as a in multiple : as a of lepidopteran pests (particularly of palm-feeding ) and as a of other . Potential candidate for programs.

Human Relevance

Some parasitize pests of agricultural and ornamental palms. Considered for inclusion in programs to reduce use.

Misconceptions

The name 'Conura' has been used historically in different taxonomic contexts; 'Tephritis conura' is a () and unrelated to the Conura (). These represent homonyms from different with no close relationship.