Conura

Spinola, 1837

Species Guides

Conura is a large of chalcidid wasps 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 pupae and hyperparasitism through other .

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 (native 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 - Primary of chrysalides; 85 emerged from 3 chrysalides indicating gregarious
Cotesia congregata - hyperparasitoidHyperparasitoid of pupae; 16 individuals emerged from 296 pupal cocoons of this braconid
Zatypota riverai - hyperparasitoidHyperparasitoid of spiders through this ichneumonid primary (Theridion spp.)

Life Cycle

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

Behavior

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

Ecological Role

Functions as a natural enemy in multiple : as a primary of lepidopteran pests (particularly of palm-feeding ) and as a hyperparasitoid of other parasitoid . 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 tephritid fruit fly (Diptera) and unrelated to the chalcidid Conura (Hymenoptera). These represent homonyms from different orders with no close relationship.