Pseudochalcura

Ashmead, 1904

Species Guides

1

Pseudochalcura is a of chalcid wasps in the Eucharitidae, containing approximately 14 described . All species are specialized of ants (Formicidae). The genus is widespread in the New World, ranging from the Yukon and Alaska to northern Chile and Argentina.

Pseudochalcura by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Pseudochalcura by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.Pseudochalcura by (c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Trevor Van Loon. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudochalcura: /ˌsuːdoʊˈkælkjʊrə/

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Distribution

New World: Yukon and Alaska to northern Chile and Argentina; neotropical records associated with arboreal .

Host Associations

  • Camponotus rectangularis - Observed for undescribed Pseudochalcura ; neotropical arboreal
  • Formicidae - All in are

Life Cycle

Eucharitid wasps are specialized that attack ant cocoons; larvae develop within a single individual, ultimately killing it.

Behavior

Co-occurrence at colony level with other observed; multiple documented with solitary attacks most common (16% double parasitism, 8% triple parasitism in cocoons).

Ecological Role

Primary of ants; potential role in regulating .

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