Alaptus eriococci

Girault, 1908

Fairyfly

Alaptus eriococci Girault, 1908 is a of fairyfly in the Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). The species was described by Girault in 1908 and a lectotype was designated by Triapitsyn in 2017 during a comprehensive revision of the Holarctic Alaptus fauna. Like other members of this , it is an , though specific records for this species remain limited in the available literature. The species name "eriococci" suggests an association with scale insects in the family Eriococcidae.

Alaptus eriococci by (c) Victor Engel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Victor Engel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Alaptus eriococci: /ˈælæptəs ˌɛriˈɒkɒsaɪ/

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Identification

Alaptus eriococci can be distinguished from other Alaptus based on morphological characters detailed in Triapitsyn's 2017 revision. The Alaptus is characterized by reduced wing venation, with forewings typically having a closed marginal and reduced setation. Specific diagnostic features for A. eriococci include details of antennal structure and body proportions that separate it from such as A. fusculus and A. minimus. Identification to species level requires examination of type material or comparison with the lectotype designated by Triapitsyn (2017).

Images

Distribution

Known from California, USA and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil based on GBIF distribution records. The was described from material collected in the early 20th century, with the lectotype designated from existing museum specimens.

Host Associations

Eriococcidae - The specific epithet 'eriococci' indicates association with this insect , though specific records are not confirmed in the provided sources.

Similar Taxa

Alaptus fusculusSimilar body size and wing venation pattern; distinguished by antennal proportions and body coloration.
Alaptus minimusOverlapping geographic distribution in some regions; A. eriococci differs in details of capsule and mesosoma structure.
Alaptus pallidicornisSympatric in some Holarctic localities; requires careful examination of claval and funicular segments for separation.