Acanthocaudus
Smith, 1944
Species Guides
1Acanthocaudus is a of small in the Braconidae, Aphidiinae. in this genus are known to parasitize aphids. The genus was established by Smith in 1944 and occurs in the Nearctic Region. Recent taxonomic work has described new species and resolved synonymies within the genus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Acanthocaudus: //əˌkænθoʊˈkɔːdəs//
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Identification
Acanthocaudus can be distinguished from other Aphidiinae by the presence of a distinct, thorn-like or spine-like projection on the ovipositor , from which the genus derives its name (acantho- = spine, cauda = tail). A key to is available in taxonomic literature. Acanthocaudus bicolor is differentiated from by its distinctive coloration pattern.
Distribution
Nearctic Region. have been recorded from Indiana and South Dakota. Acanthocaudus tissoti has been reported from Indiana.
Host Associations
- aphids (Aphididae) - As Aphidiinae, are of aphids; specific records for individual Acanthocaudus species are limited in available sources
Ecological Role
of aphids; contributes to natural of .
Human Relevance
Potential agent for pests, though specific applications are not well documented.
Similar Taxa
- AphidiusBoth are Aphidiinae that parasitize aphids; Acanthocaudus is distinguished by the characteristic spine on the ovipositor
- PraonBoth are Aphidiinae with ; Praon lack the distinctive caudal spine of Acanthocaudus and often have different wing venation
More Details
Taxonomic history
Acanthocaudus schlingeri Muesebeck, 1958 was synonymized with Acanthocaudus tissoti (Smith, 1944). A new , Acanthocaudus bicolor Kula, was described from the Nearctic Region.