Apsilops

Förster, 1869

Species Guides

1

Apsilops is a of ichneumonid wasps in the Cryptinae, containing approximately nine described . Members are of lepidopteran larvae, with documented associations including aquatic crambid and rice pests. The genus includes both aquatic and terrestrial species, reflecting diverse specializations among its members.

Apsilops hirtifrons by (c) Eric Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eric Johnson. Used under a CC-BY license.Apsilops nigriceps by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.Apsilops nigriceps by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Apsilops: /æpˈsaɪlɒps/

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Habitat

vary by : some occupy aquatic environments associated with water lilies and aquatic , while others occur in agricultural settings such as rice fields. Specific habitat requirements remain documented for only a few species.

Distribution

Recorded from Europe (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Japan, and India. Distribution data are sparse for most .

Host Associations

  • Parapoynx stagnalis (Zeller) - larval-pupal Rice case worm; of A. scotinus in India
  • Neoschoenobia testacealis Hampson - Aquatic crambid , petiole borer of yellow water lily; of A. japonicus in Japan

Life Cycle

Larval-pupal development has been observed in A. scotinus, which attacks 4th to 5th instar larvae. Details for other are not documented.

Behavior

-searching has been studied in A. japonicus. A. scotinus has been observed in large when host are abundant.

Ecological Role

of lepidopteran larvae, including agricultural pests (rice case worm) and aquatic . Potential role in of rice pests.

Human Relevance

A. scotinus has been recorded as a natural enemy of the rice case worm, an agricultural pest, suggesting potential value in rice pest management programs.

More Details

Aquatic Adaptation

A. japonicus is documented as an aquatic , capable of locating and parasitizing in underwater environments. This represents a notable ecological specialization within the .

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