Cotesia theclae
(Riley, 1881)
Cotesia theclae is a small in the Braconidae that parasitizes caterpillars of lycaenid butterflies. The was described by Riley in 1881 and has been documented as a parasitoid of larval Lycaena xanthoides, representing a new record reported in 2007. Like other members of the Cotesia, it is presumed to use to suppress host immune systems, though this specific mechanism has not been directly confirmed for C. theclae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cotesia theclae: //kəˈtiːziə ˈθɛkliː//
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Images
Distribution
Recorded from Middle America and North America. Specific range details within these regions are not well documented.
Host Associations
- Lycaena xanthoides - Larval stage; documented as new record in 2007
Ecological Role
of lycaenid larvae. Functions as a agent within its by regulating of caterpillars.
Similar Taxa
- Cotesia congregataBoth are braconid of caterpillars that use ; C. congregata parasitizes sphingid hornworms rather than lycaenids
- Cotesia flavipesBoth are Cotesia used in ; C. flavipes targets sugarcane borers in large- agricultural programs in Brazil
- Cotesia vanessaeBoth are Cotesia that parasitize caterpillars; C. vanessae has been studied as a potential biocontrol agent for noctuid on artificial diets
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- To sting a stinger: Saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulae, and brachonid wasp, Cotesia — Bug of the Week
- Weeding can turn spicy when saddlebacks are around: Saddleback caterpillar, Acharia stimulae — Bug of the Week
- Stinging caterpillars - White flannel moth, Norape ovina, and Saddleback caterpillar, Archaria stimulea — Bug of the Week
- Tough to be a hornworm: Tomato and tobacco hornworms, Manduca quinquemaculata and M. sexta — Bug of the Week
- This Artificial Diet May Make Insect Rearing Easier
- Biological Control in Brazil is Used on an Area that is Larger than Belgium
- Parasitism rates in larval Lycaena xanthoides (Godart) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) and a new host record for Cotesia theclae (Riley) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)