Monolexis

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Monolexis: /məˈnɒlɪksɪs/

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

Images

Monolexis manilensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Monolexis is a genus of parasitoid wasps within the Doryctinae subfamily, recognized for their small size and role in controlling wood-boring beetles. They exhibit complex life cycles and contribute to biological pest control.

Physical Characteristics

Doryctine wasps vary in size from 1 to 25 mm, with a relatively large head in smaller species. They have a slender and elongated body, small or reduced wings, and a row of stout spines along the foreleg tibia. Some species may lack wings entirely.

Identification Tips

Identify Doryctinae by the characteristic spines on the foreleg tibia and the cyclostome depression above the mandibles. Wing size and presence can also assist in identification, with many species having reduced or absent wings.

Habitat

Doryctinae are found in habitats where their host larvae, such as wood-boring beetles, dwell. This includes wooded areas and regions with abundant plant life.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution, excluding polar regions.

Diet

Primarily parasitize larvae of wood-boring beetles and other insects; some species may feed on seeds or form galls on plants.

Life Cycle

Doryctinae are idiobiont ectoparasitoids, where the female injects venom through her ovipositor to paralyze the host before laying her eggs.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs in or on the host larvae after paralyzing them, ensuring the developing larvae have a suitable food source.

Ecosystem Role

Doryctinae play a role in controlling populations of wood-boring beetles and potentially other pests, thus contributing to the ecosystem balance.

Economic Impact

Used as biocontrol agents against pest species in agriculture and forestry, particularly against eucalyptus pests in Australia and the emerald ash borer in the United States.

Collecting Methods

Trapping with host plants
Net collection during flight periods

Preservation Methods

Pinning
Alcohol preservation

Evolution

Doryctinae is part of the cyclostome group, a clade that includes multiple related subfamilies and contains over 2000 species in 198 genera.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Doryctinae with other wasps that are not parasitic or do not exhibit the same physical characteristics; not every wasp in the vicinity is a pest.