Tetracnemus

Members of Tetracnemus can be distinguished from related genera such as Tetracnemoidea by features of the antennae and mesosomal structure. Specific diagnostic characters for the genus include the structure of the scape, pedicel, and flagellomeres, though precise morphological details require examination of type specimens. The genus is placed in the subfamily Tetracneminae based on the reduced number of tarsal segments and other characters typical of this group.

Distribution records indicate presence in Sichuan, China and Brazil. The genus has a broad geographic range with specimens documented in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, as evidenced by species described from Maryland (T. marilandia) and Europe (T. heydeni, T. hofferi).

• Coccoidea - parasitoidScale insects; specific host records for individual Tetracnemus species are not well documented in the available literature

As parasitoids of scale insects, species in this genus contribute to biological control of these plant pests. The UCR collection contains voucher specimens from biological control projects, indicating historical use in applied entomology programs.

Species in this genus have been collected as part of biological control efforts targeting scale insect pests. The UCR Encyrtidae collection includes voucher specimens from California entomological projects, though specific release records or outcomes are not detailed in available sources.

• TetracnemoideaSimilar genus in the same subfamily Tetracneminae; distinguished by antennal structure and mesosomal characters
• EpitetracnemusRelated genus in Tetracneminae with overlapping morphological features; requires careful examination of wing venation and antennal proportions

• parasitoid
• scale insect parasitoid
• biological control
• Encyrtidae
• Tetracneminae

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Encyrtid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum