Braconinae
Braconinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Braconidae
- Subfamily: Braconinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Braconinae: //brəˈkɒnɪniː//
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Images
Summary
The Braconinae is a large subfamily of braconid parasitoid wasps with over 2,000 described species, known for their role in biocontrol programs.
Physical Characteristics
Small to medium sized wasps, usually dark in color; can also be red, orange, or pale; possess cyclostome mouthparts and females generally have a long ovipositor.
Distribution
Found worldwide, most diverse in the Paleotropical region.
Diet
Larvae feed on concealed larvae of Lepidoptera or Coleoptera; some species also attack Diptera or Symphyta.
Life Cycle
Idiobiont ectoparasitoids; the host is paralyzed with venom before laying eggs on the host's exterior.
Reproduction
Females lay one or more large eggs on the host, depending on the species.
Ecosystem Role
Several species used for biocontrol of agricultural and forest pests; significant in controlling the Boll Weevil and contributing to natural control of bark beetle forest pests.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Braconidae
- Braconinae
- parasitoid wasps
- biocontrol
- agricultural pests