Cotesia hemileucae

(Riley, 1881)

Cotesia hemileucae is a in the that specializes in attacking . It is a , meaning it develops inside a living . The is known to parasitize the saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea), a stinging caterpillar. Like other Cotesia species, it employs to suppress the host immune system, enabling its to develop successfully.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cotesia hemileucae: /koʊˈtiːziə ˌhɛmɪˈluːsiː/

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Identification

Specific morphological features distinguishing C. hemileucae from congeneric are not documented in the provided sources. The Cotesia comprises small, slender , typically 2–5 mm in length, with reduced and a characteristic used to into .

Habitat

Associated with supporting its , the saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea). This includes forests, gardens, and ornamental plantings where host plants such as oaks, elms, lindens, apples, plums, corn, blueberries, , and irises occur.

Distribution

North America. Records indicate presence in the eastern United States, including the Appalachian region and the DMV area (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia).

Seasonality

Activity coincides with the presence of . Saddleback caterpillars are active during summer and early autumn, with emerging from shortly thereafter.

Diet

Larval feed on the tissues of their . wasps have been observed feeding on in laboratory settings; field feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Acharia stimulea - primary Saddleback ; parasitized produce on the exterior of the caterpillar

Life Cycle

Female locate on foliage and use an to into the host body, simultaneously injecting . Eggs hatch and develop internally, feeding on host tissues. Upon maturity, larvae emerge through the host and spin on the exterior surface. emerge from cocoons after several days.

Behavior

Females actively hunt for on foliage. Upon encountering a suitable host, they rapidly deliver multiple with the . Newly emerged immediately seek mates and additional hosts. In laboratory observations, emerged attacked other saddleback caterpillars nearby without delay.

Ecological Role

Acts as a agent, regulating of the saddleback . The represents a notable evolutionary for immune suppression.

Human Relevance

Provides natural of a venomous that causes painful to humans. The is not commercially reared, but related Cotesia species are mass-reared for programs.

Similar Taxa

Cotesia congregataAlso parasitizes (notably ), produces similar external , and employs ; distinguished by and possibly subtle morphological differences
Cotesia flavipesUsed in large- of borer in Brazil; differs in range and geographic distribution

More Details

Polydnavirus symbiosis

C. hemileucae, like other Cotesia , harbors integrated that are injected into the during . These viruses disable the 's immune system, preventing of and .

Taxonomic note

The epithet 'hemileucae' derives from the former name of its , Hemileuca (now Acharia). The GBIF match confirms acceptance of this name.