Ichneutinae

Genus Guides

4

The Ichneutinae are a of braconid comprising small to medium-sized non-cyclostome . They are solitary koinobiont parasitoids that oviposit into but complete their development after the host has reached the larval stage. The subfamily has a distribution and is divided into three tribes with distinct host associations.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ichneutinae: //ˌɪk.njuːˈtaɪ.niː//

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Identification

Distinguished from other braconid by the combination of non-cyclostome mouthparts and the absence of an occipital carina. Separation from other non-cyclostome braconids requires examination of additional morphological characters not specified in available sources.

Appearance

Small to medium-sized braconid wasps with non-cyclostome mouthpart structure. They lack an occipital carina, a ridge on the margin of the that is present in many other braconids.

Distribution

; found on all major landmasses.

Host Associations

  • Sawfly larvae (Argidae, Tenthredinidae) - koinobiont Attacked by tribes Ichneutini and Proteropini
  • Lepidopteran leaf-miners - koinobiont Targeted by tribe Muesebeckiini

Life Cycle

Solitary koinobiont development: are deposited into eggs, but larval development and occur after the host has developed into a larva.

Behavior

Oviposition into with delayed development until host larval stage.

Ecological Role

agents of and lepidopteran leaf-miner .

Human Relevance

Potential value in programs targeting pests and leaf-mining Lepidoptera.

More Details

Tribal Classification

The contains three tribes: Ichneutini, Proteropini, and Muesebeckiini, distinguished primarily by associations.

Sources and further reading