Cremastus
Gravenhorst, 1829
Cremastus is a of ichneumon wasps in the Ichneumonidae, Cremastinae. The genus was established by Gravenhorst in 1829 and contains multiple described . Members are , with females possessing an ovipositor for parasitization. Several species have been described from western North America by Dasch, including C. amoenus, C. aridus, C. atratus, C. planus, C. prolatus, and C. stenotus.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cremastus: //krɛˈmastəs//
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Identification
Cremastus can be distinguished from related by features of the propodeum and petiole structure. The genus is placed in Cremastinae based on morphological characteristics including the structure of the areolet in the forewing and the form of the metasoma. Species-level identification requires examination of genitalia and detailed propodeal sculpturing patterns.
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Distribution
of Cremastus have been documented in North America, with multiple species described from California and surrounding western regions. The has a broader distribution beyond this region, though specific range data for the genus as a whole is not fully documented.
Ecological Role
As members of Ichneumonidae, Cremastus function as , likely attacking larval stages of Lepidoptera or other holometabolous insects. The specific ranges for most species remain undocumented.
Similar Taxa
- NothocremastusNothocremastus is a related in Cremastinae, also described by Dasch; differs in propodeal and petiolar structure
- TrathalaTrathala is another cremastine with similar body plan; distinguished by wing venation and abdominal segmentation patterns
- TemeluchaTemelucha share the cremastine body form but differ in capsule shape and structure