Psenini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Psenini: //psɛˈniːnaɪ//

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Summary

Psenini, now recognized as the family Psenidae, is a group of aphid wasps characterized by their unique morphological features and nesting behavior, focusing on leafhoppers as their primary food source for larval provisioning.

Physical Characteristics

Distinctly petiolate abdomen; 3 submarginal cells; antennal sockets well above clypeus.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctly petiolate abdomen and the number of submarginal cells.

Habitat

Nests provisioned with leafhoppers, commonly found in a variety of terrestrial habitats.

Distribution

Most diverse in the Holarctic and Oriental realms; approximately 86 species in 7 genera in our area, over 450 species in 11 genera worldwide.

Diet

Primarily provisioned with leafhoppers, notably from families such as Cicadellidae, Membracidae, Cercopidae, Aphididae, and Psyllidae.

Life Cycle

Larval stages typically develop within nests provisioned with suitable food sources like leafhoppers.

Reproduction

Details on specific reproductive strategies vary among genera, but it involves the provisioning of nests with food for developing larvae.

Ecosystem Role

As parasitoids, they play a role in controlling leafhopper populations and are involved in pollination.

Evolution

Previously treated as a tribe within Pemphredoninae, subsequently elevated to a family (Psenidae) based on phylogenetic analyses showing polyphyly in this group.

Similar Taxa

• Psenidae
• Ammoplanidae
• Pemphredonidae
• Philanthidae

Misconceptions

Taxonomic changes and classifications can lead to confusion regarding their ecological roles and relationships with other taxa.

Tags

• Psenini
• Hymenoptera
• Aphid wasps
• Leafhoppers
• Taxonomy
• Ecosystem role