Alysiinae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Alysiinae: /əˌlaɪsiˈaɪniː/

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Summary

Alysiinae are a subfamily of small black or brown braconid parasitoid wasps, primarily known for their role in controlling populations of cyclorrhaphous Diptera. They are characterized by their unique mandibles and solitary life cycle, with over 1,000 species documented worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

Generally less than 5 mm, often 2-3 mm in length, typically black or brown in color. Mandibles are exodont, opening outwards and not overlapping, which is a characteristic feature of this subfamily.

Identification Tips

Look for small wasps under 5 mm with outward-opening mandibles. Note the coloration, primarily black or brown, and their solitary behavior in most species.

Habitat

Worldwide; these wasps can inhabit a variety of environments where their host Diptera are found.

Distribution

Worldwide; over 1,000 species described.

Diet

Adults feed on pollen and nectar; larvae are parasitic within host Diptera.

Life Cycle

Alysiinae are koinobiont endoparasitoids. Females lay eggs in the eggs or larvae of cyclorrhaphous Diptera. The larva develops inside the host until it forms a puparium, which it then kills before emerging.

Reproduction

Females oviposit into the eggs or larvae of their hosts, allowing the host to develop into a puparium before the Alysiinae larva kills it and pupates within the puparium.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role in controlling fly populations, as many species are used in biocontrol programs against pest flies.

Economic Impact

Some species have been utilized in biocontrol programs to manage pest species of flies.

Evolution

They are closely related to the Opiinae subfamily.

Similar Taxa

Opiinae
Gnamptodontinae

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other small wasps or assume they are harmful due to their parasitoid nature, when in fact they pose little threat to humans.