Compsobracon
Ashmead, 1900
Compsobracon is a of . One , C. mirabilis, has been observed parasitizing wood-boring by inserting its directly through woody branches to reach concealed inside. The genus belongs to the diverse Braconidae, which contains thousands of parasitoid species attacking various hosts.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Compsobracon: //ˌkɒmpsoʊˈbreɪkɒn//
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Habitat
Cerrado savanna vegetation; observed in association with woody branches of plants containing wood-boring .
Distribution
Southeastern Brazil (Minas Gerais state); specifically documented from Três Marias area (18°20'S–18°23'S, 45°17'W–45°20'W) at 560–630 m elevation. GBIF records suggest broader Neotropical distribution.
Host Associations
- Lepidoptera larvae - wood-boring inside branches; specific unidentified
- Alibertia concolor - incidental containing the ; Rubiaceae
Behavior
Females around plants and show preference for particular branches, landing on those with visible covering larval tunnels. They walk along branches and repeatedly insert their directly through wood into the branch interior. After full ovipositor insertion, individuals display fanning . events last approximately ten minutes.
Ecological Role
of wood-boring ; potential agent for wood-boring pests.
Human Relevance
Potential utility as a agent against wood-boring .
Similar Taxa
- other Braconidae generaCompsobracon can be distinguished by its specific association with wood-boring and the distinctive of ovipositing directly through wood, though morphological diagnostic features require examination.
More Details
Research limitations
Behavioral observations for C. mirabilis are based on a single two-hour observation period with five events on one branch. remains unidentified. Voucher specimen deposited at DCBU/UFSCar.