Syntretus

Förster, 1862

Syntretus is a of in the Braconidae, Euphorinae. in this genus are known to parasitize hymenopterans, particularly bees. Documented include bumblebees (Bombus), (Trigona carbonaria), and one species, S. perlmani, parasitizes adult Drosophila fruit flies. Research has demonstrated that Syntretus species carry commensal , which are transmitted by -laying females to circumvent host immune responses during larval development.

Syntretus venustus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Syntretus: //sɪnˈtrɛtəs//

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Images

Distribution

Europe (including Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Australia

Host Associations

Bombus subterraneus - queens parasitized in Sweden
Trigona carbonaria - in Australia
adult bumblebees - general group for S. splendidus
Drosophila - exceptional for S. perlmani

Life Cycle

Larvae emerge from after development. stages develop within adult hymenopteran hosts.

Behavior

-laying females transmit to , which function to suppress host immune responses and enable larval development.

Ecological Role

of hymenopterans, with potential regulatory effects on . Associated represent a symbiotic relationship that facilitates .

Human Relevance

Has been studied in the context of conservation , particularly regarding reintroduction programs for Bombus subterraneus in the United Kingdom. Museum specimens have proven valuable for genomic studies of - relationships.

More Details

Polydnavirus association

Syntretus is the first in which commensal have been identified. These viral sequences are transmitted by females during oviposition and are used to circumvent immune defenses. Phylogenetic analysis suggests the viral may have evolutionary histories distinct from their hosts, lacking evidence for co-speciation.