Microgastrinae

Microgastrinae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Microgastrinae: /ˌmaɪkroʊˈɡæstrɪniː/

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

Images

Saddleback Caterpillar with Braconid Cocoons (14145326476) by U.S. Geological Survey from Reston, VA, USA. Used under a Public domain license.
Hypomicrogaster zonaria (10.3897-zookeys.920.39128) Figure 121 by Fernandez-Triana J, Shaw MR, Boudreault C, Beaudin M, Broad GR (2020) Annotated and illustrated world checklist of Microgastrinae parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae). ZooKeys 920: 1-1089. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.920.39128. Used under a CC0 license.
Hypomicrogaster ecdytolophae (10.3897-zookeys.920.39128) Figure 115 by Fernandez-Triana J, Shaw MR, Boudreault C, Beaudin M, Broad GR (2020) Annotated and illustrated world checklist of Microgastrinae parasitoid wasps (Hymenoptera, Braconidae). ZooKeys 920: 1-1089. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.920.39128. Used under a CC0 license.
Cotesia Glomerata Front View by Lennart Tange. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Cabbage butterfly (Pieris brassicae) infested with eggs of white butterfly parasite (Cotesia glomerata), Ponte de Sor, Portugal (approx. GPS location) julesvernex2 by Jules Verne Times Two. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Cotesia glomerata (NZAC06000976) by Don Horne. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Microgastrinae is a species-rich subfamily of braconid wasps, primarily known for their role as parasitoids of Lepidoptera larvae, with significant implications for biological control.

Physical Characteristics

Small wasps, generally 1-4 mm in length; 18 segmented antennae, most species are black or brown, with some colorful exceptions. Many species are morphologically similar leading to their consideration as cryptic species.

Identification Tips

Check for small size and segmented antennae; must also compare morphological traits within genera to identify cryptic species.

Habitat

Worldwide distribution; associated with areas where their host Lepidoptera larvae are found.

Distribution

Widespread globally, with confirmed presence in regions including Canada (135-275 species) and at least 28 species identified from Turkey.

Diet

Larvae are parasitoids of various Lepidoptera larvae, feeding on their hemolymph and organs.

Life Cycle

Koinobiont endoparasitoids, larvae develop in host caterpillars, exiting the host to pupate in silken cocoons.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves injecting eggs with a proviral genome into the host's cavity, allowing for growth and development within the host.

Ecosystem Role

Microgastrinae play a significant role in controlling Lepidoptera populations as biological control agents.

Economic Impact

More than 100 species utilized in biological control programs, impacting agriculture and pest management.

Evolution

Microgastrinae is one of six subfamilies of Braconidae that carry polydnaviruses, indicating a unique evolutionary adaptation involving symbiosis with these viruses.

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other parasitoid wasps due to their small size and similar appearance.

Tags

  • Microgastrinae
  • Braconidae
  • parasitoid wasps
  • biological control
  • Lepidoptera