Trioxina

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trioxina: /triˈɔksiːna/

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Summary

The Trioxina subtribe includes tiny parasitoid wasps within the Aphidiinae subfamily, which are known for parasitizing aphids. They are key players in biological pest control efforts worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

Aphidiinae are tiny parasitoid wasps, usually 2-3 mm in length.

Identification Tips

Identification is typically based on size, morphology, and the relationship with aphid hosts.

Habitat

Aphidiinae are found in a variety of habitats where aphids are present, often in temperate regions.

Distribution

Primarily found in the northern hemisphere, with several species introduced globally for biocontrol.

Diet

Aphidiinae are parasitoids, feeding on aphids during their larval stage.

Life Cycle

They are koinobiont endoparasitoids, with larvae developing inside living or recently dead aphids.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs inside aphids, which serve as hosts for the developing larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Aphidiinae play a role in controlling aphid populations as biological control agents.

Economic Impact

Several species are utilized in biological control to manage aphid pests, benefiting agricultural practices.

Collecting Methods

Net collecting from host plants
Yellow sticky traps

Preservation Methods

Ethanol solution
Pinning
Drying

Evolution

The exact evolutionary relationships within Braconidae and the separate lineage of Aphidiinae remain unclear, but they have been treated as a separate family historically.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Aphidiinae with other wasps or assume they are harmful to humans, whereas they primarily target aphids.