Cryptini
Cryptini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
- Family: Ichneumonidae
- Subfamily: Cryptinae
- Tribe: Cryptini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cryptini: /ˈkrɪptɪnaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Cryptini is a diverse tribe within the subfamily Cryptinae, characterized by their floral host searching behavior and global distribution. They play a key ecological role by controlling pest populations through parasitism.
Physical Characteristics
Members of the tribe Cryptini can be identified by a 5-sided areolet, a short sternaulus, and a puffy face with a convex clypeus.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive 5-sided areolet and the puffy face/convex clypeus, which are common traits across most species in this tribe.
Habitat
Cryptini search for hosts primarily among foliage instead of in soil or ground litter, indicating a preference for arboreal or leaf-associated habitats.
Distribution
Species of Cryptini are distributed worldwide, more diverse in tropical regions, with 39 genera representing 234 species in North America.
Diet
As parasitoids, species in this tribe typically prey on or parasitize other insect hosts, which makes them important in controlling insect populations.
Life Cycle
The life cycle typically includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae often developing within the body of their host insects.
Reproduction
Little specific data available; generally involves oviposition in or on host insects.
Ecosystem Role
As parasitoids, Cryptini play a critical role in regulating insect populations, contributing to ecosystem balance.
Economic Impact
Some species can be valuable in biological control programs due to their role in regulating pest populations.
Collecting Methods
- Net capture from foliage
- Light traps
- Malaise traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol immersion
- Pinned specimens
- Relaxation chambers
Evolution
The tribe has evolved to adapt to varied host utilization strategies and habitats, reflecting the ecological significance of its members.
Similar Taxa
- Aptesini
- Hemitelini
Misconceptions
Some may confuse these wasps with harmful species due to their similar appearance to more aggressive wasps, but Cryptini are generally non-aggressive and beneficial.
Tags
- Hymenoptera
- Parasitoid Wasps
- Biodiversity
- Ecosystem Services
- Insecta