Cremnops desertor

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Cremnops desertor is a braconid in the Agathidinae, originally described by Linnaeus in 1758. The has a broad distribution spanning Europe, North America, and Southern Asia. Like other members of its , it is a wasp with a distinctive elongated, equine-like shape.

Cremnops desertor by Peter Desmet. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cremnops desertor: //ˈkrɛm.nəps dɪˈzɛr.tɔr//

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Identification

Members of the Cremnops can be recognized by their narrow, extended (rostrum) that gives them an equine or horse-like appearance. They are relatively large for braconid wasps, typically 6–10 mm in length, and often display striking red and black coloration with black or smoky wings. The elongated distinguishes them from similar braconid genera such as Bassus and Agathis, though precise -level identification of C. desertor requires detailed examination and may need electron microscopy.

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Distribution

Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China); North America; Southern Asia. Specific country records include Belgium and the Brussels-Capital Region.

Ecological Role

As a in the Agathidinae, Cremnops desertor likely functions as a agent of caterpillar . Members of this are known to parasitize larvae in the Pyralidae and Crambidae, with typically one wasp larva developing internally per caterpillar.

Similar Taxa

  • Cremnops wileycoyotiusRecently described congeneric from Florida; distinguished by specific morphological characters and geographic origin
  • Bassus spp.Formerly confused with Cremnops; separated by resurrected classification and subtle morphological differences in structure
  • Agathis spp.Shares the elongated characteristic of Agathidinae but differs in specific proportions and wing venation

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