Pristaulacus melleus
(Cresson, 1879)
Pristaulacus melleus is a of aulacid in the Aulacidae. It is found in North America. Aulacid wasps are of wood-boring larvae, particularly longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) and jewel beetles (Buprestidae), as well as wood wasp larvae (Xiphydriidae). Females locate by probing bark crevices with their and deposit using a downcurved ovipositor.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pristaulacus melleus: /prɪsˈtaʊləkəs ˈmɛliəs/
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Identification
Aulacid wasps are distinguished from superficially similar ichneumon wasps by three key characters: the attaches high on the (, not at the base), a short "neck" is present behind the , and the ovipositor is downcurved at the tip rather than straight. Pristaulacus are generally larger than Aulacus species. Specific distinguishing features for P. melleus are not documented in available sources.
Habitat
Associated with cut or damaged wood, particularly logs and slash piles of conifers and hardwoods. Females are observed across log surfaces searching for larvae in bark crevices.
Distribution
North America. Specific range boundaries within North America are not documented in available sources.
Host Associations
- Cerambycidae - of larvaeLonghorned beetles, wood-boring larvae
- Buprestidae - of larvaeJewel beetles, wood-boring larvae
- Xiphydriidae - of larvaeWood wasps
Behavior
Females walk haltingly across wood surfaces, bobbing the slightly and slowly rowing their wings. They probe cracks and crevices by inserting deeply, apparently to detect larvae. Once a host is located, the female inserts her ovipositor into the wood; grooves on the inner surface of the hind help guide and stabilize the ovipositor during deposition.
Ecological Role
of wood-boring insects. Contributes to regulation of in forest , particularly in recently disturbed or cut wood.
Similar Taxa
- Pristaulacus fasciatusSimilar size, coloration, and association; distinguished by specific morphological details not fully documented for P. melleus
- Ichneumonidae (ichneumon wasps)Superficially similar body form and , but distinguished by attachment low on , straight ovipositor, and lack of short 'neck' behind
- Evaniidae (ensign wasps)Related in superfamily Evanioidea; distinguished by highly compressed, flag-like that is moved constantly