Blacini
Blacini is a tribe of within the Brachistinae. Members are minute, dark-colored wasps with distinctive non-cyclostome mouthparts and a along the margin. The tribe was elevated from subfamily status in 2011 based on molecular phylogenetic evidence. The Blacus dominates the tribe with approximately 40 described New World and distribution, while remaining genera are largely restricted to South and Central America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Blacini: /blɑːˈkiːniː/
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Identification
Distinguished from other brachistine tribes by the combination of non-cyclostome mouthparts and presence of a on the margin. The tiny body size and dark coloration are consistent but not unique within Brachistinae. Identification to level requires examination of and other subtle morphological characters; Blacus is the most frequently encountered genus globally.
Images
Distribution
Worldwide distribution with -level variation. Blacus has range. Remaining genera (Apoblacus, Blacometeorus, †Palaeoblacus) are predominantly restricted to South and Central America.
Diet
Blacus are of . Biology of other within the tribe remains poorly documented.
Host Associations
- beetle larvae - documented for Blacus
Behavior
Males of some Blacus form mating swarms.
Ecological Role
of , contributing to regulation of beetle . Specific impacts are poorly documented due to limited biological study.
Similar Taxa
- Other Brachistinae tribesBlacini differs in having non-cyclostome mouthparts and a ; other tribes generally lack this combination
More Details
Taxonomic History
Formerly treated as Blacinae; synonymized under Brachistinae and given tribal status in 2011 based on molecular evidence
Fossil Record
Extinct †Palaeoblacus known from Eocene