Aphidiini

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
Family: Braconidae
Subfamily: Aphidiinae
Tribe: Aphidiini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphidiini: //ˌæfɪˈdaɪɪnaɪ//

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

Images

Aphidius ervi by Matt Bowser, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Used under a Public domain license.

Aphidius Ervi - Aphid parasitoid by Nikk from Peterborough, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Aphidiini are a tribe within the subfamily Aphidiinae, consisting of small parasitoid wasps that primarily target aphids as their hosts. Their role in biological control makes them significant for pest management.

Physical Characteristics

Aphidiinae are typically small wasps, 2–3 mm in length, characterized by slender bodies and long antennae. The morphology can vary between species but generally includes features adapted for parasitism.

Identification Tips

Look for tiny wasps that are often found hovering around or landing on aphids. They may exhibit distinctive behavior, such as ovipositing in live aphids.

Habitat

Aphidiinae are found in a variety of habitats where aphids are present, including gardens, agricultural fields, and other vegetated areas worldwide, particularly in the northern hemisphere.

Distribution

Aphidiinae are distributed worldwide but are primarily found in the northern hemisphere. Some species have been introduced to other regions for biological control purposes.

Diet

Adult Aphidiinae typically do not feed, but larvae are parasitoids that consume aphids as hosts.

Life Cycle

Aphidiinae larvae are koinobiont endoparasitoids, developing inside their aphid hosts. Once mature, the larva pupates either inside the host or in a cocoon formed from materials excreted by the larva.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs inside aphids, where the larvae develop and feed on the host. This leads to the eventual death of the aphid.

Predators

Adult Aphidiinae face predation by larger insects and sometimes may be parasitized by other parasitoids.

Ecosystem Role

Aphidiinae serve an important role in controlling aphid populations, acting as natural predators and contributing to pest management in agricultural systems.

Economic Impact

Several species are utilized in biological control programs for aphids, thereby providing economic benefits in agriculture by enhancing crop health and yields.

Collecting Methods

Netting adult wasps from plants with aphid infestations
Using suction traps in aphid-rich areas
Rearing aphids in controlled conditions to attract parasitoids

Preservation Methods

Using ethanol for specimen preservation
Pinning adult specimens for entomological collections

Evolution

Aphidiinae are considered a distinct lineage within the Braconidae family, with evolutionary relationships to other braconid subfamilies still being studied.