Aulacus burquei
(Provancher, 1882)
Aulacus burquei is a in the Aulacidae, a group of rarely encountered wasps that target wood-boring insects. This is found in North America, with records from Canada and the United States. It is an parasitoid of wood wasps in the family Xiphydriidae, specifically laying its eggs within the eggs of its . Like other aulacids, it is associated with cut or damaged wood where its hosts develop.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aulacus burquei: //ˈɔː.lə.kəs ˈbʊr.ki.i//
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Identification
Aulacus are generally smaller than the related Pristaulacus. Aulacids as a group can be distinguished from superficially similar ichneumon wasps by the high attachment of the on the , a short 'neck' behind the , and a somewhat sinuous (curved) rather than straight ovipositor. These features reflect their placement in the superfamily Evanoidea alongside ensign wasps and carrot wasps. Specific diagnostic features for A. burquei are not well documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with cut, living, or damaged wood where wood wasps occur. This includes logs, slash piles, and trees with broken limbs that emit aromatic compounds attracting wood-boring insects.
Distribution
North America. Documented from Canada (Nova Scotia) and the United States. GBIF records indicate presence in North America broadly, with specific Canadian records from Nova Scotia.
Host Associations
Ecological Role
As a of wood wasp , this contributes to of its . Wood wasps in turn are associated with dead and dying wood, contributing to wood decomposition processes in forest .
Human Relevance
No direct economic or medical significance documented. May be encountered by entomologists or naturalists investigating insects associated with cut wood or storm-damaged trees.
Similar Taxa
- PristaulacusLarger-bodied congeneric aulacids with similar overall and habits. Pristaulacus are typically larger (females averaging ~16 mm in P. fasciatus versus smaller Aulacus species) and may be more frequently encountered.
- IchneumonidaeSuperficially similar with long ovipositors that also search wood for . Distinguished by straight ovipositor, lower abdominal attachment, and lack of short 'neck' behind .
More Details
Family-level biology
Aulacidae contains two (Aulacus and Pristaulacus) with approximately 185 globally, 32 in North America. The is understudied and members are seldom seen, likely due to specialized associations and possibly brief activity periods.