Pristocera
Klug, 1808
Pristocera is a of chrysidoid in the , distributed across the Old World. Males are distinguished by a hypopygium split into two separate plates, while females possess petiolar flaps. The genus comprises numerous , with documented diversity in Africa, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. At least one species, Pristocera rufa, is known to be a gregarious of .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pristocera: /priːstoʊˈsɪərə/
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Identification
Males recognized by hypopygium divided into two separate plates; females recognized by presence of petiolar flaps. These traits distinguish Pristocera from other within the Pristocerinae.
Images
Distribution
Old World distribution, with recorded from Africa, Asia, and Papua New Guinea. Specific records include India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, China, and various African countries.
Host Associations
- Pantorhytes szentivanyi - Late- ; only confirmed for Pristocera rufa in Papua New Guinea cacao plantations
Life Cycle
For Pristocera rufa: develops as gregarious on late- inside cacao pods; emerge from host pupal chambers. General for remainder of unknown.
Behavior
Females of Pristocera rufa attack inside cacao pods. Gregarious development observed, with multiple larvae developing on single host.
Ecological Role
Pristocera rufa acts as agent of Pantorhytes szentivanyi, a serious pest of cacao in Papua New Guinea; rates rarely exceed 5%, indicating minor . Role of other unknown.
Human Relevance
Pristocera rufa has minor importance in regulating of cacao pest Pantorhytes szentivanyi in Papua New Guinea; rates too low for effective .
Similar Taxa
- Other PristocerinaeLack male hypopygium split into two plates and female petiolar flaps characteristic of Pristocera