Macrocentrus

Curtis, 1833

Species Guides

3

Macrocentrus is a of braconid wasps containing at least 180 described . Species in this genus are of lepidopteran larvae and have been studied extensively for applications. Several species, including M. ancylivorus, M. cingulum, and M. grandii, are economically important as natural enemies of agricultural pests such as the oriental fruit moth, European corn borer, and stalk borers.

Macrocentrus by (c) Thilina Hettiarachchi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thilina Hettiarachchi. Used under a CC-BY license.Macrocentrus clypeatus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Macrocentrus seminiger by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macrocentrus: /ˌmækroʊˈsɛntrəs/

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Habitat

are associated with agricultural and orchard environments where their lepidopteran larvae occur. Laboratory rearing has been successfully conducted on factitious hosts, indicating adaptability to modified conditions.

Distribution

Distribution records from GBIF indicate presence in Denmark (DK), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE). Specific have been documented in North American programs.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

larvae develop within larvae. Multiple are possible under laboratory conditions. Specific development times and temperature requirements have been recorded but not quantified in available sources.

Behavior

Females oviposit into larvae. At least one , M. grandii, uses for host location and mate finding.

Ecological Role

agent; of lepidopteran pests.

Human Relevance

Several are utilized or studied for of economically important agricultural pests, including fruit and corn borers. Mass rearing techniques have been developed for at least M. ancylivorus and M. cingulum.

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Sources and further reading