Ibalia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ibalia: //aɪˈbeɪliə//

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Summary

Ibalia is a genus of ibaliid wasps belonging to the family Ibaliidae, encompassing about 14 described species that are parasitoids of Siricidae species. They locate their hosts through the detection of volatile compounds released by the fungi consumed by their host larvae.

Physical Characteristics

Variations in coloration among species; notably, head can be yellow-brown, black, or reddish-brown, thorax typically black, and gaster often red or colored differently across species.

Identification Tips

Species identification is primarily based on coloration and requires manual keying, especially for I. arizonica, I. kirki, and I. leucospoides which are not distinguishable solely by coloration.

Habitat

Predominantly Holarctic regions; different species have specific regional distributions, including wide distribution in the eastern US and targeted areas in the western US and Canada.

Distribution

Approximately 7 species in the eastern and western US, including I. anceps and I. leucospoides, with additional species in AZ and NM.

Diet

Parasitoids of Siricidae larvae, targeting their hosts by detecting volatile compounds from fungi that Siricidae larvae consume, specifically Amylostereum.

Life Cycle

Lifecycle details are not provided, but typically involves parasitism on host larvae.

Reproduction

Not specifically detailed in the material provided; common for parasitoid species.

Ecosystem Role

As parasitoids, they play a role in controlling populations of Siricidae, contributing to ecological balance.

Collecting Methods

• Manual keying required for species identification due to color similarities.
• Observation of host interactions can aid in identification.

Similar Taxa

• Siricidae

Tags

• Ibalia
• Hymenoptera
• parasitoids
• Siricidae
• biodiversity