Anastatus

Motschulsky, 1859

eupelmid egg parasitoids

Species Guides

Anastatus is a large of chalcidoid wasps in the Eupelmidae, comprising approximately 160 globally with about 18 species recorded from North America north of Mexico. All species are , attacking the eggs of various insects including true bugs, , and other arthropods. The genus exhibits extreme : females are brachypterous or with powerful jumping abilities, while males are fully winged and capable of . Several species have been introduced as agents, including A. disparis for spongy moth management and A. orientalis for spotted lanternfly control.

Anastatus by (c) Ged Tranter, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ged Tranter. Used under a CC-BY license.

Anastatus by (c) Even Dankowicz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Even Dankowicz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Anastatus laticeps by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Anastatus: /əˈnæstətəs/

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

Identification

Females are distinguished by reduced or absent wings, with forewings when present bearing distinct banding patterns thought to enhance mimicry. The ovipositor is almost entirely concealed, separating Anastatus from similar eupelmid . Males possess fully developed wings and do not jump. Some have brachypterous females with abbreviated wing structures. Dead females often assume a characteristic U-shaped posture due to contraction of enlarged dorso-longitudinal thoracic muscles used for jumping.

Images

Distribution

distribution with records from North America, Europe, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. GBIF distribution records include Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Anhui, Assam, Bihar, and California.

Host Associations

Lymantria dispar - A. disparis introduced to North America for
Halyomorpha halys - A. bifasciatus recorded as in Türkiye
Lycorma delicatula - A. orientalis under investigation for ; reported to parasitize up to 69% of in China
Eurycantha calcarata - A. eurycanthae described from oil palm pest in Papua New Guinea
Arilus cristatus - A. reduvii known of wheel bug
Antheraea pernyi - of A. disparis
Odonestis pruni - of A. disparis
Actias selene ningpoana - of A. disparis
Supella longipalpa - A. tenuipes associated with brown-banded cockroach

Life Cycle

development: females deposit single eggs into eggs, with larvae developing internally as solitary parasitoids and killing the host. A. japonicus exhibits larval . Sex determination is haplodiploid: males develop from unfertilized eggs and are haploid, females from fertilized eggs and are .

Behavior

Females exhibit remarkable jumping ability powered by enlarged dorso-longitudinal thoracic muscles and energy stores; they prefer until disturbed, then leap with such force that they often tumble on landing. Males fly readily and do not jump. Males of A. disparis exhibit frequent and extreme fighting to acquire mating opportunities. Females of A. disparis live more than one month in the field, while males live only 5-7 days. Females produce to attract males.

Ecological Role

that regulate of various insect pests. Several are employed or under investigation as agents for pests including spongy moth, brown marmorated stink bug, and spotted lanternfly.

Human Relevance

Used in programs. A. disparis was purposefully introduced to North America for spongy moth control. A. orientalis is under investigation for spotted lanternfly management. A. tenuipes arrived accidentally with brown-banded cockroach. Female-specific venom proteins identified in A. disparis may have applications in technology.

Similar Taxa

EupelmusSimilar eupelmid , but distinguished by wing venation and body proportions; Anastatus females have concealed ovipositors and distinct forewing banding
ReikosiellaFormerly included now transferred out of Anastatus; distinguished by structural features of mesosoma and wing characters
TineobiusSome Anastatus transferred to this ; distinguished by antennal structure and leg proportions