Yelicones nigromarginatus

The specific epithet nigromarginatus (black-margined) indicates the species is characterized by dark pigmentation along the wing margins. Members of Yelicones can be distinguished from related rogadine genera by the combination of a closed second submarginal cell in the forewing, a pronotum that does not reach the tegula, and the presence of a distinct, often curved, fore tibial spur. Y. nigromarginatus specifically can be separated from congeners by the extent and intensity of the dark wing marginal banding, though precise diagnostic features require examination of the original description.

Known from Vermont, USA (type locality). GBIF records indicate additional occurrences in the United States, though specific localities beyond Vermont are not detailed in available sources.

As a member of the Rogadinae, Y. nigromarginatus likely functions as a koinobiont endoparasitoid of caterpillars (Lepidoptera larvae). Koinobiont parasitoids allow their hosts to continue developing after oviposition, eventually killing the host when the wasp larva completes its development. This parasitoid lifestyle contributes to regulation of lepidopteran populations in forest and agricultural ecosystems.

• Yelicones americanusOccurs in the same geographic region (eastern North America) and shares general wing venation patterns; distinguished by differences in wing coloration and body proportions
• Other Yelicones speciesApproximately 50 congeners exist, many with overlapping distributions; accurate identification requires examination of wing pigmentation patterns, body coloration, and male genitalia

• braconid wasp
• parasitoid
• Nearctic
• Rogadinae
• Vermont

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life