Praini

Praini

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Praini: /ˈpraɪ.naɪ/

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Summary

The Praini is a tribe of small parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Aphidiinae, utilizing aphids as hosts. Several species are important in biological pest control, with around 400 species across 50 genera worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

Members of the Praini tribe, such as those in the genus Praon, typically have a body length of 2-3 mm. Larvae are known to leave a hollowed shell of the aphid to pupate in a volcano-like cocoon after parasitizing their host.

Identification Tips

Examine the size and body structure under a microscope, looking for characteristics typical of Aphidiinae. Identification may rely on specific morphological features unique to the genus Praon and other Praini members.

Habitat

Aphidiinae, including the Praini tribe, can inhabit a variety of environments where aphids are present, often in agricultural and natural ecosystems.

Distribution

Primarily found in the northern hemisphere, but species have been introduced worldwide for biocontrol of aphids.

Diet

As parasitoids, adult Praini wasps do not feed on aphids; they primarily rely on the aphid hosts for their larvae, which consume the aphids from within after parasitoid oviposition.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes laying eggs within aphids. The larva develops inside the aphid, eventually emerging to pupate outside the host, typically in a cocoon.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves females laying eggs in living or previously parasitized aphids, leading to a koinobiont life strategy whereby the host continues to develop while supporting the parasitoid larva.

Ecosystem Role

Praini wasps play a significant role in regulating aphid populations, thus contributing to the biological control of pest species in various ecosystems.

Economic Impact

Several species within the Praini tribe are employed in biological control programs to manage aphid populations, thus helping to protect crops and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

Collecting Methods

  • Net capture in areas with high aphid populations
  • Trapping with yellow sticky traps

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol storage
  • Pinning for taxidermy

Evolution

The Praini tribe represents a lineage in the subfamily Aphidiinae within the Braconidae family, likely evolving secondary loss of internal pupation compared to other subfamilies.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • Aphidiinae
  • biological control
  • parasitoid wasps
  • Praini
  • Hymenoptera