Cleptinae
Cleptinae is a small of in the , containing three and approximately 100 described . They are obligate of prepupal of . Members are generally -sized, measuring 4–6 mm in length. They may be locally abundant during of their , though generally considered rare.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cleptinae: /klɛpˈtɪni/
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Identification
Immediately distinguished from other by the combination of: convex ; with two or more ; and medially narrowed with a transverse . The abdominal count difference between sexes (five in males, four in females) provides additional diagnostic characters. The convex abdominal further separates them from related .
Appearance
-sized , typically 4–6 mm in length. Diagnostic features include a convex , bearing two or more , and a that is medially narrowed with a distinct transverse . The has a convex with five visible in males and four in females. As members of Chrysididae, they likely exhibit the metallic coloration typical of , though this is not explicitly documented in the provided sources.
Distribution
Widespread distribution including northeastern Brazil, where Cleptidea nordestina represents the northernmost record for the fasciata group in South America. Global distribution encompasses regions supporting .
Host Associations
- Tenthredinidae - Prepupal of are the known . Cleptinae are obligate of this host stage.
Behavior
Parasitic targeting prepupal of . appear tied to availability, with local abundance increasing during host .
Ecological Role
of through of prepupal .
Similar Taxa
- Other Chrysididae subfamiliesCleptinae differs from Amiseginae and other by the convex , multi-toothed , and medially narrowed with transverse . These features are not found in combination in other subfamilies.
More Details
Taxonomic composition
Contains three : Cleptes Latreille, 1802; Cleptidea Mocsáry, 1904; and Lustrina Kurian, 1955.
Research status
Biological knowledge remains limited; most available literature on and distribution rather than or . associations are better documented than other traits.