Amisega kahlii
(Ashmead, 1902)
Amisega kahlii is a of in the Amiseginae. Members of this are kleptoparasitic, laying in the nests of other . The species has been recorded from scattered localities across the eastern and central United States.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Amisega kahlii: //æmɪˈsiːɡə ˈkɑːli.aɪ//
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Identification
Amiseginae are distinguished from other by their elongated, slender body form and reduced . Within Amisega, -level identification requires examination of microscopic characters including male and specific punctation patterns on the . Separation from the related Loboscelidia may be necessary in some regions.
Images
Appearance
As a member of , likely exhibits the 's characteristic metallic coloration, though specific color pattern for this is not documented in available sources. Amiseginae are generally small, slender with reduced compared to other chrysidid .
Habitat
associations are poorly documented. Records span multiple ecoregions including the southwestern desert (Arizona), Great Plains (Kansas), upper Midwest (Minnesota), and eastern deciduous forest (Maryland, North Carolina), suggesting broad ecological or association with widely distributed .
Distribution
Documented from Arizona, Kansas, Minnesota, Maryland, and North Carolina in the United States. The scattered, disjunct distribution pattern may reflect limited sampling effort or association with patchily distributed .
Host Associations
- Mantodea oothecae - probable Amiseginae are known to parasitize () of ; this association is inferred from -level biology but has not been directly confirmed for A. kahlii
Ecological Role
As a probable of , may function as a regulator of . The Amiseginae represents one of the few lineages specialized on mantid .
Similar Taxa
- Other Amisega speciesRequire microscopic examination for reliable separation; A. kahlii is distinguished by male genitalic characters and specific punctation patterns.
- LoboscelidiaRelated amisegine with similar body form; distinguished by antennal structure and details.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Mesitiopterus kahlii by Ashmead in 1902, later transferred to Amisega. The Amisega is among the least studied genera in North America.