Lemophagus curtus
Townes, 1965
Lemophagus curtus is a of ichneumon described by Townes in 1965. It belongs to the Ichneumonidae, one of the largest families of wasps. The species is recorded from Norway, Sweden, and the conterminous United States. Like other members of its , it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific associations remain undocumented.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lemophagus curtus: /lɛˈmɑfəɡəs ˈkɜrtəs/
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Identification
The Lemophagus is characterized by a shortened fore wing with reduced venation, particularly the absence of the areolet (a small in the wing). Specific diagnostic features distinguishing L. curtus from have not been published in accessible literature. Identification to level likely requires examination of male genitalia and comparison with .
Distribution
Recorded from Norway, Sweden, and the conterminous 48 United States. The transatlantic distribution suggests either a Holarctic range or possible cryptic , though this has not been investigated.
Similar Taxa
- Other Lemophagus speciesL. curtus is distinguished from by subtle morphological differences, primarily in male genitalia structure and possibly wing venation details. The itself is separated from related ichneumonid genera by the reduced fore wing venation and absence of the areolet.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Lemophagus is a small within the ichneumonid Tersilochinae (or Ctenopelmatinae, depending on classification system). The genus was revised by Townes, who described L. curtus based on specimens from both Europe and North America. The disjunct distribution pattern warrants further study to confirm conspecificity of on both continents.