Doryctinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
Family: Braconidae
Subfamily: Doryctinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Doryctinae: //dɔːˈrɪktɪniː//

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

Images

Heterospilus eurostae male by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Heterospilus eurostae female by Beatriz Moisset. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

The Doryctinae are a diverse subfamily of parasitoid wasps within the Braconidae family, with members known for their role as biocontrol agents against wood-boring pests. They exhibit a wide range of sizes and some species lack wings, which affects their behavior and ecology.

Physical Characteristics

Doryctine wasps range in size from 1 to 25 mm, with small species having relatively large heads and slender elongated bodies. They typically exhibit small or reduced wings; many species are unable to fly or lack wings altogether. A characteristic feature is a row of stout spines along the foreleg tibia and a cyclostome depression above the mandibles.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made based on the presence of stout spines on the protibia, a flange on the propleuron above the forecoxa, and a double node near the apex of the dorsal valve of the ovipositor.

Habitat

Doryctinae are found in varied habitats, predominantly where wood-boring beetles and their larvae exist due to their parasitic life cycle.

Distribution

Doryctinae have a worldwide distribution, with the exception of polar regions.

Diet

Larvae of Doryctinae are parasitoids that feed on larvae of beetles, sawflies, and some moths. Some species also feed on seeds.

Life Cycle

Doryctinae undergo a parasitic life cycle where the female lays an egg after paralyzing the host larva through venom injection via her ovipositor. The larvae then develop within the host.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves the female Doryctinae injecting venom into a host larva, paralyzing it, and then laying an egg inside or near the host.

Ecosystem Role

Doryctinae play a significant role in controlling pest populations as many species are used in biological control programs.

Economic Impact

Doryctinae, particularly Spathius agrili, have significant economic importance as biological control agents against pests like the emerald ash borer in the United States and eucalyptus pests in Australia.

Evolution

Doryctinae is part of the cyclostome group, which includes several other subfamilies within Braconidae.