Pristaulacus resutorivorus
(Westwood, 1851)
A of in the Aulacidae, found in North America. Members of this are parasitoids of wood-boring beetles, particularly longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) and jewel beetles (Buprestidae). The species is poorly documented in the literature, with most biological knowledge inferred from better-studied .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pristaulacus resutorivorus: /prɪs.taʊˈlæ.kʊs rɛ.suːˌtɔː.rɪˈvoʊ.rəs/
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Identification
Distinguished from ichneumon wasps by the attached high on the (), a short 'neck' behind the , and a downcurved or sinuous ovipositor tip. The ovipositor is not straight as in ichneumons. Distinguished from other Pristaulacus by specific morphological features not detailed in available sources; consultation of Smith (1996) key to eastern North American Aulacidae would be necessary for definitive identification.
Habitat
Associated with freshly cut or dying wood, particularly logs and slash piles of coniferous trees such as Pinus . availability is linked to logging operations, storm damage, and other events that expose wood-boring larvae.
Distribution
North America; confirmed records from Canada (Alberta). Specific range boundaries within North America are poorly documented.
Host Associations
- Wood-boring beetles - Based on -level ; specific records for this are not documented in available sources.
- Longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae) - Inferred from congeneric ; larvae of cerambycids are primary for Pristaulacus species.
- Jewel beetles (Buprestidae) - Inferred from congeneric ; buprestid larvae are documented for related Pristaulacus species.
Ecological Role
of wood-boring beetles; contributes to of forest pests including that damage timber.
Similar Taxa
- Pristaulacus fasciatusOverlaps in distribution and ; both are large, conspicuous aulacids found at wood-boring sites. P. fasciatus has been more frequently observed and photographed, with females averaging 16 mm body length.
- Pristaulacus rufitarsisWestern North American with similar and ; found in Colorado and other western states.
- Ichneumonidae (ichneumon wasps)Superficially similar appearance and ; distinguished by straight ovipositor, different abdominal attachment, and lack of the short 'neck' characteristic of Aulacidae.