Cleptinae
Genus Guides
1- Cleptes(cuckoo wasps)
Cleptinae is a small of cuckoo wasps in the Chrysididae, containing three and approximately 100 described . They are obligate of prepupal larvae of tenthredinid . Members are generally medium-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 chrysidid by the combination of: convex ; robust with two or more teeth; and pronotum medially narrowed with a transverse . The abdominal segment count difference between sexes (five in males, four in females) provides additional diagnostic characters. The convex abdominal venter further separates them from related .
Appearance
Medium-sized chrysidid , typically 4–6 mm in length. Diagnostic features include a convex , robust bearing two or more teeth, and a pronotum that is medially narrowed with a distinct transverse . The has a convex venter with five visible segments in males and four in females. As members of Chrysididae, they likely exhibit the metallic coloration typical of cuckoo wasps, 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 tenthredinid .
Host Associations
- Tenthredinidae - Prepupal larvae of tenthredinid are the known . Cleptinae are obligate of this host stage.
Behavior
Parasitic targeting prepupal larvae of . appear tied to availability, with local abundance increasing during host .
Ecological Role
of tenthredinid through of prepupal larvae.
Similar Taxa
- Other Chrysididae subfamiliesCleptinae differs from Amiseginae and other chrysidid by the convex , robust multi-toothed , and medially narrowed pronotum 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 focuses on and distribution rather than or . associations are better documented than other traits.