Mesopolobus

Westwood, 1833

Mesopolobus is a of in the , established by Westwood in 1833. The genus contains approximately 135 valid with distribution. Most species are of , though the genus exhibits diverse . Species have been documented from coniferous foliage, particularly spruce, as well as from -forming and other .

Mesopolobus by (c) Tom Saunders, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tom Saunders. Used under a CC-BY license.

Mesopolobus by (c) Kazimieras Martinaitis, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kazimieras Martinaitis. Used under a CC-BY license.

Mesopolobus by (c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mesopolobus: /ˌmɛsoʊˈpoʊləbəs/

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

Identification

Mesopolobus are small typical of . Specific diagnostic characters include features of the clypeal emargination, setation patterns on the of the fore , and metallic coloration of the and mesosoma. For example, M. askewi is distinguished from the similar M. longicollis by a deeper clypeal emargination, a complete row of on the basal vein of the fore wings, to bluish-green head coloration, and bluish-green to green mesosoma with coppery reflections. Species-level identification requires examination of , antennal structure, and body .

Images

Habitat

Mesopolobus have been collected from foliage of coniferous trees, particularly Norway spruce (Picea abies), in forest environments. Collection records span elevations from approximately 1000 to 2150 meters in mountainous regions. The occupies forest , with specimens obtained by sweep netting from lowest branches of trees in forest stands.

Distribution

distribution with records from Europe (including Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Malta), North America (British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut), and other regions. Approximately 135 valid worldwide, with 12 species described from continental Europe following Graham's 1969 monograph.

Host Associations

Picea abies - foliage association (collected by sweep netting)Ten new - associations reported for and Asaphesinae with P. abies; direct relationship for Mesopolobus species not confirmed by rearing
Iteomyia major - for related M. longicollis specimens emerged from of this

Ecological Role

. form a considerable component of the hymenopterous parasitoid complex associated with spruce pests. The majority of Mesopolobus are of , contributing to regulation of in forest .

Similar Taxa

M. longicollisSimilar ; distinguished by clypeal emargination depth, fore setation, and coloration patterns