Acanthochalcis unispinosa
Girault, 1917
Acanthochalcis unispinosa is a large distinguished from its A. nigricans by the absence of on the . It ranges from Texas to California and is a known of (), particularly in the Chrysobothris. The genus is notable among chalcidids for its large body size and extraordinarily long , for reaching wood-boring in their galleries.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acanthochalcis unispinosa: /əˌkænθoʊˈkælsɪs ˌjuːnɪspaɪˈnoʊsə/
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Identification
Distinguished from Acanthochalcis nigricans by the absence of on the ; both share the diagnostic features of the including large body size (~19 mm including ), greatly swollen and toothed hind characteristic of , and an extraordinarily long ovipositor. The two species represent the only commonly encountered Acanthochalcis species in North America.
Habitat
Associated with dead wood of mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and other supporting wood-boring .
Distribution
Texas to California, southwestern United States.
Host Associations
- Chrysobothris - (), primary
Behavior
Females use their long to dead wood and parasitize wood-boring ; has been observed flying around and landing on dead mesquite branches in search of .
Ecological Role
of wood-boring , contributing to of in southwestern U.S. .
Similar Taxa
- Acanthochalcis nigricansLarger with on ; both share large size, long , and association with Chrysobothris , but A. nigricans ranges from Kansas and Oklahoma west to California
- Other ChalcididaeDistinguished from most chalcidids by exceptionally large body size and extraordinarily long ; typical chalcidids are smaller with less dramatically elongated ovipositors
More Details
Taxonomic history
Described by Girault in 1917; Acanthochalcis is classified in Cratocentrinae of