Euplectrus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Chalcidoidea
Family: Eulophidae
Subfamily: Eulophinae
Tribe: Eulophini
Genus: Euplectrus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Euplectrus: /juˈplɛktrəs/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Euplectrus crawfordi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Euplectrus insuetus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Euplectrus nigromaculatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Euplectrus junctus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Euplectrus leucotrophis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Euplectrus is a genus of ectoparasitoid wasps from the family Eulophidae, known for their role in parasitizing caterpillars of various Lepidoptera families. They are characterized by long hind tibial spurs and specific morphological adaptations for their parasitic lifestyle.

Physical Characteristics

The hind tibial spurs are long and strong, with the longest spur being at least half the length of the hind tarsus, used to anchor the female wasp to the host caterpillar. The scutellum has no lateral grooves or pit-rows, and the propodeum has a strong median carina.

Identification Tips

Euplectrus can be distinguished from other Eulophinae by the specific morphology mentioned: long hind tibial spurs, lack of lateral grooves or pit-rows on the scutellum, and the presence of a strong median carina on the propodeum.

Habitat

Euplectrus wasps are found in various habitats where their caterpillar hosts reside, including forests, fields, and gardens.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan genus, with 15 species in our area and approximately 150 worldwide.

Diet

Euplectrus larvae are ectoparasitoids of Lepidoptera caterpillars, feeding on the caterpillar's haemolymph.

Life Cycle

The larvae undergo 3–5 molts before pupating, completing their development within roughly two weeks from oviposition to imago.

Reproduction

Females lay between five and several hundred eggs per host caterpillar, injecting venom to prevent the host from molting, allowing the larvae to survive their host's death.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as biological control agents for lepidopteran pests.

Economic Impact

Used to control lepidopteran pests, beneficial in agriculture and horticulture.

Evolution

Morphologically conservative genus, species vary slightly from one another, creating identification challenges.