Pristaulacus melleus
(Cresson, 1879)
Pristaulacus melleus is a of aulacid in the . It is found in North America. Aulacid wasps are of wood-boring , particularly () and (), as well as larvae (). Females locate by probing bark crevices with their and deposit using a downcurved .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pristaulacus melleus: /prɪsˈtaʊləkəs ˈmɛliəs/
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Identification
Aulacid 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 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 in bark crevices.
Distribution
North America. Specific range boundaries within North America are not documented in available sources.
Host Associations
- Cerambycidae - of , wood-boring
- Buprestidae - of , wood-boring
- Xiphydriidae - of
Behavior
Females walk haltingly across wood surfaces, bobbing the slightly and slowly rowing their . They probe cracks and crevices by inserting deeply, apparently to detect . Once a host is located, the female inserts her 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 , and lack of short 'neck' behind
- Evaniidae (ensign wasps)Related in superfamily ; distinguished by highly compressed, flag-like that is moved constantly