Pristaulacus minor

(Cresson, 1880)

Pristaulacus minor is a of aulacid in the Aulacidae. Like other members of its , it is a wasp associated with wood-boring beetles. The species is found in North America, with records from Canada including British Columbia.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pristaulacus minor: /ˈprɪstaʊˌleɪkəs ˈmaɪnɔr/

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Distribution

North America; specifically recorded from Canada including British Columbia.

Host Associations

wood-boring beetles - Aulacid wasps are of wood-boring beetles, particularly larvae of longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) and jewel beetles (Buprestidae), as well as larval wood wasps (Xiphydriidae). This specific relationship is inferred from -level documentation for Pristaulacus.

Ecological Role

of wood-boring insects. Aulacid wasps contribute to of beetles that bore into living or freshly-cut wood.

Similar Taxa

Pristaulacus fasciatusSimilar superficial appearance to ichneumon wasps; distinguished by downcurved ovipositor tip and high attachment of on . P. fasciatus is larger (females ~16mm) and found in eastern North America, while P. minor distribution is more western.
IchneumonidaeAulacids are frequently mistaken for ichneumon wasps due to general body form and long ovipositors. Aulacids differ in having the attached high on the , a short 'neck' behind the , and a downcurved (not straight) ovipositor tip.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The was originally described by Cresson in 1880. Aulacidae is placed in the superfamily Evanioidea, alongside ensign wasps (Evaniidae) and carrot wasps (Gasteruptiidae).