Torymus flavicoxa
(Osten-Sacken, 1870)
Torymus flavicoxa is a in the Torymidae, a group known for attacking insects within plant galls. The has been recorded as a of nymphs inhabiting hackberry leaf galls. It is distributed across Canada from British Columbia to Ontario.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Torymus flavicoxa: /ˈtɔrɪməs ˌflævɪˈkɒksə/
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Identification
Torymus flavicoxa belongs to a characterized by females with long ovipositors adapted for penetrating plant tissue to reach within galls. The name 'flavicoxa' refers to yellow (leg segments), a potentially diagnostic color trait. Torymidae are typically small with reduced wing venation and metallic coloration common in the .
Images
Distribution
Canada: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario.
Diet
Larval development occurs as a within galls, feeding on nymphs.
Host Associations
- Pachypsylla celtidismama - larvae feed on nymphs within hackberry nipple galls
- Celtis - indirect plant of prey
Life Cycle
females oviposit into galls containing nymphs. Larvae develop internally, consuming the . Mature larvae chew exit holes to emerge from galls as adults.
Ecological Role
of gall-forming psyllids, contributing to natural of these herbivores.
Similar Taxa
- Torymus californicuscongeneric of cynipid in oak apple galls; differs in association and geographic range
- Psyllaephagus spp.also of hackberry psyllids but in Encyrtidae; differs in family-level characters and presumably