Exetastes angustoralis
Cushman, 1937
Exetastes angustoralis is a of ichneumon described by Cushman in 1937. The species belongs to the Exetastes, a group of wasps within the Ichneumonidae. Known from limited collection records in western Canada, this species remains poorly documented in published literature. Like other Exetastes species, it is presumed to be a koinobiont endoparasitoid of Lepidoptera larvae, though associations have not been confirmed for this specific species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Exetastes angustoralis: /ˌɛksɪˈtæstiːz æŋˌɡʊstɔˈrɑːlɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from by the narrow oral opening referenced in the specific epithet "angustoralis" (narrow-mouthed). Additional diagnostic features for -level identification within Exetastes require examination of wing venation patterns, propodeal sculpturing, and ovipositor length ratios. Reliable separation from Exetastes cinctipes and E. obscuripes requires reference to the original description and type material.
Images
Distribution
Recorded from Saskatchewan, Canada: Kennedy and Rockglen. The limited distribution records suggest a prairie or grassland association, though sampling may affect this interpretation.
Ecological Role
Presumed of Lepidoptera larvae based on -level , contributing to natural of in prairie .
Similar Taxa
- Exetastes cinctipesOverlapping geographic range and similar body proportions; distinguished by differences in coxal coloration and wing patterns
- Exetastes obscuripesSimilar size and general habitus; differs in leg coloration and details of propodeal carination
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The specific epithet "angustoralis" refers to the narrow oral opening, a character state distinguishing this from related Exetastes with broader mouthparts. The original description by Cushman (1937) remains the primary source of diagnostic information.
Data Deficiency
With only 27 iNaturalist observations and two documented locality records, E. angustoralis is among the less frequently encountered Exetastes . This may reflect genuine rarity, limited sampling effort in prairie , or identification challenges rather than true scarcity.