Cryptinae
Cryptinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Ichneumonidae
- Subfamily: Cryptinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cryptinae: /krɪpˈtaɪniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Cryptinae is the largest subfamily of Ichneumonidae, containing nearly 400 genera globally. Members vary in ecology, mainly functioning as parasitic wasps that target a range of host insects in various developmental stages.
Physical Characteristics
Narrow convex clypeus, visible sternaulus, strong notauli, depressed abdomen with the first segment slender basally becoming widened apically, and ovipositor about half the length of the abdomen. Diagnostic characters include a 5-sided areolet and a puffy face.
Identification Tips
Species can be identified by their distinctive morphological features, notably a short sternaulus and the characteristic shape of the ovipositor and abdomen.
Habitat
Cryptinae wasps are primarily found in environments where their hosts (pupae and cocoons) reside, which include a variety of ecosystems worldwide.
Distribution
Worldwide, with significant representation in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Diet
Most species are external parasites of pupae and cocoons; some specifically attack larvae of wood-boring beetles and dipterans, while a few are hyperparasites of braconids and other ichneumonid wasps.
Life Cycle
The life cycle typically involves parasitizing host pupae or larvae. The females lay eggs on or inside the host, where the larvae develop.
Reproduction
Females lay their eggs in or on host organisms, often those in cocoons or pupal stages. Some species may exhibit host alternation as part of their reproductive strategy.
Ecosystem Role
As parasitoids, they play a crucial role in controlling host insect populations, thus contributing to ecological balance.
Economic Impact
In some cases, their role in controlling pest populations can be considered beneficial in agriculture and forestry contexts.
Evolution
The subfamily Cryptinae has a rich evolutionary history, having undergone various classifications and reorganizations since its discovery, with significant changes noted in recent taxonomic studies.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
There might be a misconception regarding the parasitic nature of these wasps, as they generally have no direct harm to humans and their ecological role is often misunderstood.
Tags
- Cryptinae
- Ichneumonidae
- Hymenoptera
- Parasitic Wasp