Cerapterocerus
Westwood, 1833
Cerapterocerus is a of in the Encyrtidae, first described by Westwood in 1833. The genus contains known for their distinctive morphological features, including C. mirabilis Westwood and C. celadus (Walker). Members are recorded in the UCR Encyrtidae collection, which holds specimens on both points and slides. The genus belongs to the diverse Encyrtinae , which includes numerous agents.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cerapterocerus: /sɛˌɹæptɛɹəˈsɪrəs/
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Identification
The Cerapterocerus can be distinguished from related genera such as Cerapterocerella and Cerapteroceroides by structural features of the and wing venation. within the genus, including C. mirabilis and C. celadus, exhibit characteristic body proportions and sculpturing patterns on the mesosoma that separate them from superficially similar encyrtids.
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Distribution
Distribution records from GBIF indicate occurrence in Republic of Congo (CG), Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE). The UCR Encyrtidae collection contains specimens of C. mirabilis Westwood and C. celadus (Walker), suggesting broader geographic representation in curated collections.
Similar Taxa
- CerapterocerellaCerapterocerella (e.g., C. apus Girault) is a closely related distinguished by reduced wing venation and modified antennal structure compared to Cerapterocerus.
- CerapteroceroidesCerapteroceroides (e.g., C. fortunatus (Ishii)) differs in scutellar and propodeal configuration, though both share the characteristic cerapterocerine body plan.
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Collection Records
The UCR Entomology Research Museum Encyrtidae holdings list includes Cerapterocerus mirabilis Westwood and C. celadus (Walker) among point-mounted specimens, and C. mirabilis Westwood among slide-mounted specimens. These records represent voucher specimens from one of the world's largest Encyrtidae collections.
Taxonomic History
The was established by Westwood in 1833, making it one of the earlier described genera in the Encyrtidae. The type and subsequent descriptions have contributed to the systematic framework of the Cerapterocerini group within Encyrtinae.