Dicladocerus
Westwood, 1832
Dicladocerus is a of small in the Eulophidae, first described by Westwood in 1832. The genus contains distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, including North America north of Mexico and Japan. Several North American species—specifically D. nearcticus, D. pacificus, and D. terraenovae—are known to attack larch casebearer (Coleophoridae), a pest of larch trees. The genus was taxonomically revised in 1976, with twelve new species described from North America and one from Japan.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Dicladocerus: //daɪˌklædəˈsɪrəs//
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Identification
Dicladocerus can be distinguished using morphological characters detailed in taxonomic keys, particularly those involving , wing venation, and body . The 1976 revision by Gates provides a key to North American species. Species-level identification requires examination of minute structural features typical of chalcidoid wasps.
Habitat
Associated with forested environments where larch (Larix) and other tree occur. Specific microhabitat preferences are not documented in available sources.
Distribution
North America north of Mexico; Japan (Palearctic). GBIF records indicate presence in British Columbia, California, Idaho (North America), Jilin (China), and Minas Gerais (Brazil).
Host Associations
- larch casebearer - D. nearcticus, D. pacificus, and D. terraenovae (Nearctic); D. japonicus and D. westwoodii (Palearctic) attack this lepidopteran pest.
Ecological Role
of lepidopteran larvae, potentially contributing to of larch casebearer in forest .
Human Relevance
Of interest in forest entomology due to role as natural enemy of larch casebearer, an economically significant pest of larch trees.
Similar Taxa
- Other Eulophidae generaDicladocerus shares -level characteristics with other eulophid ; differentiation requires examination of generic-level morphological characters such as antennal structure and mesosomal .
More Details
Taxonomic revision
The 1976 revision by M.E. Gates in The Canadian Entomologist (108: 1173-1193) established the modern concept of the for North America, describing twelve new and clarifying relationships with larch casebearer.
Species diversity
The includes at least 13 : alaskensis, australis, prealatus, occidentalis, exoteliae, epinotiae, betulae, vulgaris, nearcticus, pacificus, japonicus, terraenovae, and westwoodii.