Agathidinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
Family: Braconidae
Subfamily: Agathidinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Agathidinae: /ˌæɡəˈθɪdɪniː/

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Summary

Agathidinae is a subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps, with around 100 recognized species in the area and about 2,000 species globally across 40 genera. They are known for their unique morphological features and their ecological importance in pest control.

Physical Characteristics

Agathidines are among the larger braconids, typically brightly patterned. They possess elongated genae in several genera such as Agathis, Cremnops, and Disophrys.

Identification Tips

Agathidines can be recognized by the following combinations of features: forewing veins M + CU not tubular in basal third or more, forewing vein RS complete to the wing margin (except Mesocoelus and Plesiocoelus), occipital carina absent, and second submarginal cell of forewing usually present (in approximately 90% of species). Three main genera with 'long face': Agathus (almost entirely black), Bassus and Cremnops (red & black, with Cremnops having a carina extending from the lateral margin of the antenna to the lateral ocelli, which is absent in Bassus).

Habitat

Worldwide, found in most terrestrial habitats, with species richness varying by region. Agathis and Earinus are more species-rich in temperate regions, while other genera are most diverse in humid tropics. Some species in Agathis and Crassomicrodus tend toward desert habitat.

Distribution

They are found worldwide, more diverse in the tropics, with genera such as Agathis and Earinus being more speciose in temperate regions.

Diet

Solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids of concealed Lepidoptera larvae, with some gregarious species. The tribe Disophrini attacks free-living Lepidoptera larvae. Agathidini and Earinini attack early larval instars, while Disophrini and Cremnoptini can parasitize later larval instars.

Life Cycle

Most species are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids, meaning they attack host larvae and complete their development within them.

Reproduction

Specific reproductive strategies vary among tribes, with some species exhibiting solitary behavior while others may be gregarious.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in biological control by parasitizing pest larvae, thus helping to manage pest populations in agricultural and natural habitats.

Economic Impact

Some species are useful for biological pest control, including Agathis pumila against the western larch case-bearer, Alabagrus stigma for sugarcane borer, and Bassus unicoloratus against potato tuberworm.

Evolution

The Agathidinae subfamily has undergone various tribal arrangements, with initial classifications including 2 tribes which later evolved into 4 and then 7 tribes following phylogenetic analysis.