Sigalphinae
Sigalphinae is a small of braconid wasps containing approximately 8 and fewer than 50 described . Members are , with at least some species known to attack Lepidoptera . The subfamily is considered one of the more basal lineages within Braconidae based on morphological and molecular evidence.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sigalphinae: //ˌsaɪˈɡælfaɪniː//
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Identification
Sigalphinae can be distinguished from other braconid by a combination of morphological characters including the presence of a distinct pronotal carina, reduced wing venation with a closed in the forewing, and a characteristic arrangement of the metasomal tergites. The subfamily lacks the highly modified ovipositor seen in some related groups.
Images
Distribution
Global distribution with records from multiple continents; specific range details limited by small number of described and few observations.
Host Associations
- Lepidoptera - Based on biological study of Acampsis alternipes; relationships for most sigalphine remain undocumented
Life Cycle
are deposited into larvae. Larvae develop internally within the host, eventually emerging to pupate. Detailed information is available only for Acampsis alternipes; other unstudied.
Ecological Role
of Lepidoptera larvae, contributing to natural regulation of herbivorous insect .
Similar Taxa
- other Braconidae subfamiliesSigalphinae differs in wing venation patterns, pronotal structure, and basal phylogenetic position within the
More Details
Taxonomic position
Sigalphinae is considered one of the most basal of Braconidae, which has implications for understanding the evolutionary origins of braconid .
Knowledge gaps
The remains poorly studied; most lack biological data, and relationships are documented for only a single .