Messatoporus discoidalis
(Cresson, 1872)
Messatoporus discoidalis is a of ichneumonid in the Cryptinae, originally described by Cresson in 1872. It occurs in the New World and has been recorded from the northeastern United States, including Vermont. The species was revised in a 2013 taxonomic treatment of the , which synonymized Messatoporus jocosus and M. rufiventris under this name. As a member of Messatoporus, it shares the genus-level diagnostic features including specialized ovipositor adapted for accessing concealed .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Messatoporus discoidalis: /mɛˌsætəˈpɔːrəs dɪˌskɔɪˈdeɪlɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from by the combination of characters used in the -level : apicolateral corners of projected; long and tapered with tooth much shorter than tooth or indistinct; transverse at base of propodeum long and shallow; margin of propodeum concave; area of propodeum transversely wrinkled; first metasomal placed approximately at midlength of segment; dorsal carina of first metasomal segment absent; ovipositor basally cylindrical and apically depressed, with ventral valve completely enclosing dorsal valve as a . Specific distinguishing characters from similar Messatoporus require reference to the 2013 revision and species key.
Images
Distribution
New World. Documented from the northeastern United States, specifically Vermont.
Ecological Role
(Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae). The Messatoporus exhibits morphological adaptations for locating and perforating substrate to access , with some showing convergent traits with Gabuniina interpreted as specializations for exploiting more deeply concealed hosts. Specific host relationships for M. discoidalis have not been documented.
Similar Taxa
- Messatoporus jocosus (Provancher)Synonymized under M. discoidalis; previously treated as distinct .
- Messatoporus rufiventris CushmanSynonymized under M. discoidalis; previously treated as distinct .
- Other Messatoporus speciesCongeneric share the diagnostic morphological features of the and require detailed examination using the species key provided in Santos & Aguiar (2013) for accurate separation.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described by Cresson in 1872. The 2013 revision by Santos & Aguiar recognized two synonyms: M. jocosus (Provancher) and M. rufiventris Cushman, which had previously been treated as distinct .
Phylogenetic context
Messatoporus is monophyletic and placed within Osprynchotina. The shows a morphological gradient from resembling other Osprynchotina to a derived with convergent similarities to Gabuniina, interpreted as adaptations for location in concealed substrates.