Earinini

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Earinini: /ˌiː.əˈrɪ.niː.naɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Earinini is a tribe within the subfamily Agathidinae of the family Braconidae, consisting of solitary parasitoid wasps primarily targeting larvae of Lepidoptera. They are noted for their absence of certain anatomical features and have significance in pest control.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the tribe Earinini are characterized by the absence of notauli and the absence of posterior transverse carinae on the propodeum.

Identification Tips

Agathidines can be recognized by the following features: forewing veins M + CU not tubular in the basal third or more, forewing vein RS complete to the wing margin (except for Mesocoelus and Plesiocoelus), occipital carina absent, and the second submarginal cell of forewing usually present in 90% of species.

Habitat

Earinini wasps are typically found in environments where their Lepidoptera hosts exist, which can vary widely depending on the locality.

Distribution

They are found worldwide, with increased diversity in tropical regions; however, genera like Agathis and Earinus are more diverse in temperate regions.

Diet

Most Agathidines are solitary koinobiont endoparasitoids of concealed Lepidoptera larvae.

Life Cycle

Life cycles typically involve the parasitism of early instar Lepidoptera larvae, leading to the eventual death of the host as the parasitoid develops.

Reproduction

Agathidines undergo a solitary reproductive strategy, where a female lays eggs inside or on a host larva.

Ecosystem Role

Agathidines play a significant role in regulating the populations of their Lepidoptera hosts, acting as natural pest control agents.

Economic Impact

Agathidines have been utilized in biological control programs to manage pest populations in agriculture, such as pests affecting crops like sugarcane and potatoes.

Evolution

The tribe Earinini was recognized in a revision by Sharkey in 1992, following earlier attempts at classification of the Agathidinae.