Colotrechnus
Thomson, 1878
Colotrechnus is a of chalcid wasps in the Pteromalidae, established by Thomson in 1878. It belongs to the Colotrechninae and tribe Colotrechnini. The genus contains at least four described distributed across Europe and North America. Members are , though specific relationships remain poorly documented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colotrechnus: /ko.loˈtrɛk.nəs/
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Identification
Colotrechnus can be distinguished from other pteromalid by their placement in the tribe Colotrechnini, characterized by specific morphological features of the Colotrechninae. Identification to species level requires examination of minute structural details and is generally not possible from field observations alone.
Images
Distribution
Europe and North America. Specific localities include California (USA) and Spain (ES).
Host Associations
- Agromyzidae - C. agromyzae is named for this association, suggesting of agromyzid leaf-mining flies
Ecological Role
, likely contributing to of their . The specific ecological impact is not well quantified.
Similar Taxa
- Other Pteromalidae generaColotrechnus is distinguished by tribal and subfamilial classification; field separation from other small chalcid wasps is impractical without microscopic examination
More Details
Taxonomic history
The was established by Thomson in 1878 with C. subcoeruleus as the type . The Colotrechninae was erected to accommodate this and related genera.
Species diversity
Four are currently recognized: C. agromyzae (India, 1981), C. ignotus (USA, 1958), C. subcoeruleus (Europe, 1878), and C. viridis (Europe, 1921).