Elasmosoma schwarzi

Ashmead, 1895

Elasmosoma schwarzi is a of in the Braconidae, Euphorinae, described by Ashmead in 1895. The Elasmosoma comprises parasitoids, with females depositing inside ant . E. schwarzi is native to the southwestern United States, where it has been documented in Texas. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits specialized adaptations for attacking ants, which are highly defensive .

Elasmosoma schwarzi by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Elasmosoma schwarzi: /ɛˌlæzməˈsoʊmə ˈʃvɑrtsi/

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Images

Distribution

Southwestern United States, specifically documented from Texas.

Host Associations

Ants - develop inside ; specific not documented for E. schwarzi but related species attack Formica and other ant

Behavior

Females attack in , ovipositing that develop internally within the . The 's small size (under 2 mm) and specialized allow it to overcome ant defenses.

Ecological Role

of ants, potentially influencing and colony structure through mortality of ants.

Similar Taxa

Elasmosoma luxemburgenseCongeneric with similar and , distinguished by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences
Kollasmosoma sentumAnother euphorine with convergent attack , but placed in a different based on morphological and molecular characters
Neoneurus vesculusMember of the same tribe (Neoneurini) with similar lifestyle, but differs in ant preferences and morphological details

More Details

Taxonomic context

The Elasmosoma belongs to the tribe Neoneurini within the Euphorinae. These represent a remarkable evolutionary specialization, as ants are among the most heavily defended insects and few successfully exploit them.