Philolema latrodecti

(Fullaway, 1953)

widow spider parasitoid wasp

Philolema latrodecti is a in the Eurytomidae that specializes in attacking sacs of widow spiders in the Latrodectus. Originally described from Hawaii, it has been introduced to several regions as a agent for widow spiders. The wasp has been observed parasitizing brown widow spiders (Latrodectus geometricus) in French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, and the southern black widow (Latrodectus mactans) in Mexico. rates can be substantial, with one study finding the wasp in 31% of dissected brown widow egg sacs in Tahiti.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Philolema latrodecti: /ˌfɪloʊˈlɛmə ˌlætrəˈdɛkti/

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Habitat

sacs of widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.), particularly those constructed by brown widow spiders and southern black widows.

Distribution

Hawaii (original description); French Polynesia (Tahiti, Moorea); Cook Islands; Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Host Associations

Ecological Role

of widow spider ; has been considered as a agent to limit spider population growth.

Human Relevance

Studied as a potential agent for widow spiders; presence may reduce concerns about widow spider establishment in new regions.

Similar Taxa

  • Baeus latrodectiAlso a of widow spiders in the Platygastridae; distinguished by family-level classification and presumably different morphological features, though direct comparison details are not provided in available sources.

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