Pseudophanerotoma

Zettel, 1990

Species Guides

1

A of solitary endoparasitoid in the Braconidae, Cheloninae. are known to parasitize tortricid moths, including agricultural pests. The genus occurs from southern Texas through Mexico and Central America to South America (Brazil, Peru, French Guiana). At least four species have been described: P. huichol (Mexico), P. austini (Guatemala), P. paranaensis (Brazil, French Guiana), and P. thapsina (Texas, French Guiana).

Pseudophanerotoma by (c) jcowles, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by jcowles. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pseudophanerotoma: //ˌsjuːdoʊˌfæneˈroʊtəˌmɑː//

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

Identification

Distinguished from the closely related Furcidentia by morphological characters detailed in identification keys for Neotropical Phanerotomini. -level identification requires examination of antennomere count, body coloration patterns, and genitalic structures. P. huichol is characterized by 52 antennomeres in females and 46 in males, unicolorous and body with dark brownish on half of hind and small spot on mesopleuron.

Images

Habitat

Collected in avocado orchards at elevations of 860-880 m in Nayarit, Mexico. Broader preferences across the remain poorly documented.

Distribution

Documented from southern Texas (USA), Mexico (Nayarit), Guatemala, French Guiana, and Brazil. The occurs from southern Texas to Peru and Brazil, with likely broader distribution in Central America and northern South America pending survey.

Host Associations

  • Cryptaspasma perseana - primary Tortricid pest of avocado; of P. huichol. Association confirmed through rearing from collected avocado fruits/seeds.

Life Cycle

Oviposits in ; emerges from later larval instars or pupa. This is inferred from -level characteristics of Cheloninae and has been explicitly stated as typical for the group.

Behavior

Solitary endoparasitoid. Highly specialized in parasitizing tortricid moths.

Ecological Role

agent regulating of Lepidoptera, specifically tortricid pests of avocado and potentially other crops.

Human Relevance

Potential biocontrol agent for tortricid pests in agricultural systems, particularly avocado production. P. huichol has been documented as a natural enemy of Cryptaspasma perseana, an economically significant pest of avocado.

Similar Taxa

  • FurcidentiaPreviously congeneric; separated based on morphological characters. Both belong to tribe Phanerotomini and share general body plan and . Identification keys to Neotropical genera of Phanerotomini are available to distinguish them.

Tags

Sources and further reading