Diradops

Townes, 1946

Species Guides

1

Diradops is a of ichneumonid wasps in the Banchinae, containing at least 35 . Species in this genus are of lepidopteran larvae, with documented associations including the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) and Heterocampa manteo. The genus occurs in the Nearctic region and Mexico, where several species have been described in recent taxonomic revisions.

Diradops bethunei (ID thanks to Ken Childs) (44037355321) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Diradops bethunei (ID thanks to Ken Childs) (44037356421) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Wasp (44407184171) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diradops: //daɪˈrædɒps//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Pecan orchards (Carya illinoiensis) have been documented as where at least one was reared from nests. The is associated with environments where lepidopteran hosts occur.

Distribution

Mexico (where multiple are common and well-documented); Nearctic region including the United States (Vermont confirmed); Rica (where specimens were previously misidentified).

Host Associations

  • Hyphantria cunea - Reared from web nests on pecan; D. hyphantriae specifically associated
  • Heterocampa manteo - D. bethunei documented to parasitize this
  • Carya illinoiensis - plant of lepidopteran hostPecan trees where H. cunea nests were collected

Behavior

Diradops bethunei has been observed to reduce larval capsule size in its Heterocampa manteo, indicating a morphological impact on host development.

Ecological Role

agent of lepidopteran pests, particularly the fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) in pecan orchards.

Human Relevance

Potential biocontrol agent for agricultural pests; D. hyphantriae has been noted as very common in Mexican pecan-growing regions.

Sources and further reading