Rhysipolis

Förster, 1862

Rhysipolis is a of in the Rhysipolinae (Braconidae), comprising approximately 22 described . Species are small, with body lengths of 2.5–4.0 mm and fore wing lengths of 2.2–4.0 mm. The genus is distributed across the East Palaearctic and Oriental regions, with records from China, Russia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and parts of Europe. Members are koinobiont ectoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented including bagworm moths (Psychidae) and snout moths (Pyralidae).

Rhysipolis biformis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Rhysipolis biformis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Rhysipolis biformis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhysipolis: //ˈrɪsɪpɔlɪs//

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Identification

with 28–34 segments. Ovipositor 0.6–0.7× as long as metasoma. Body dark brown to blackish brown with variable yellowish brown pattern. Fore wing length 2.2–4.0 mm. Specific identification requires reference to the key provided in Zhang et al. (2016) for East Palaearctic and Oriental , which distinguishes species based on morphological characters including ovipositor length, antennal segment count, and coloration patterns.

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Habitat

collected on woody legumes including Caragana korshinskii (Leguminosae) and Nitraria sp. (Zygophyllaceae). Cocoons of at least one (R. taiwanicus) found on upper surface of leaves of Rhaphiolepis indica.

Distribution

East Palaearctic and northern Oriental regions. Documented from China (Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, Hong Kong), Taiwan, Far East Russia. GBIF records indicate additional presence in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Vermont (USA).

Host Associations

  • Taleporia sp. - Psychidae; reared from in Inner Mongolia, China
  • Bazaria turensis - Pyralidae; reared from in Qinghai Province, China
  • Caragana korshinskii - associated plant plant where parasitized larvae were collected
  • Nitraria sp. - associated plant plant where parasitized larvae were collected
  • Rhaphiolepis indica - associated plantsubstrate for cocoons of R. taiwanicus

Life Cycle

Mature larvae collected and maintained in laboratory conditions until . Parasitoid larvae and pupae kept individually in glass tubes. Cocoon stage described for at least one ; cocoons positioned on upper leaf surfaces.

Behavior

Koinobiont ectoparasitoid: allows to continue development while feeding externally. from host pupae. Constructs exposed cocoons on leaf surfaces rather than concealed locations.

Ecological Role

of lepidopteran larvae; contributes to of including Psychidae and Pyralidae.

Human Relevance

Potential agent for pest lepidopterans. Laboratory rearing methods established for research purposes.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Rhysipolinae generaDistinguished by combination of antennal segment count (28–34), ovipositor length relative to metasoma, and specific wing venation patterns; see Zhang et al. (2016) key
  • Other Braconidae subfamiliesRhysipolinae characterized by reduced wing venation and specific tarsal claw structure; molecular and morphological required

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Sources and further reading