Ephedrini

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ephedrini: /ˌɛfəˈdraɪnaɪ/

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

Summary

The tribe Ephedrini consists of parasitoid wasps that are small in size and primarily target aphids, playing key roles in biological control and contributing to ecological balance in agricultural environments.

Physical Characteristics

Aphidiinae are small wasps, typically ranging from 2 to 3 mm in length. They exhibit varied coloration, often depending on the genus.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made through their small size, parasitic behavior, and specific structures such as the ovipositor. Observing pupation behavior may also aid identification, as some pupate internally and others externally in cocoons.

Habitat

Aphidiinae are found in diverse habitats where aphids reside, including agricultural fields and gardens where host aphids are common.

Distribution

Species of Aphidiinae are found worldwide, predominantly in the northern hemisphere. Several species have been introduced to areas outside their natural range for biological control.

Diet

Aphidiinae are parasitoids primarily feeding on aphids as hosts during their larval development.

Life Cycle

The life cycle involves the female laying eggs inside or on the hosts (aphids). The larval stage consumes the host before pupation, leading to the emergence of the adult wasp.

Reproduction

Aphidiinae are known for their koinobiont parasitoid strategies, allowing the host to continue its development until the parasitoid larva is ready to pupate.

Ecosystem Role

As parasitoids, they play an important role in controlling aphid populations, acting as natural biological control agents.

Economic Impact

They are utilized in biological control programs to manage pest aphids that affect agriculture, thereby contributing to crop protection and pest management.

Collecting Methods

Sweep nets
Early morning searches in aphid-infested areas
Traps designed for small parasitoids

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Pinning for taxonomic study
Cocoon preservation in labeled containers

Evolution

The Aphidiinae have been subject to significant phylogenetic studies, revealing complex evolutionary relationships with other braconid subfamilies, though the precise relationships remain unclear.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse them with other small wasps that are not parasitoids or think all wasps are aggressive, whereas many Aphidiinae are harmless to humans.