Ctenopelma

Holmgren, 1857

Species Guides

Ctenopelma nigricorne

Ctenopelma is a of in the Ichneumonidae, Ctenopelmatinae. in this genus are koinobiont endoparasitoids of larvae (). The genus has been recorded across the Holarctic region, with multiple species described from China and records from Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. associations include sawflies in the families Cephaliidae, Pamphiliidae, and .

Ctenopelma pulchra by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ctenopelma: //ˌktɛ.nəˈpɛl.mə//

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Habitat

Middle to high elevation mountainous areas (1200–3450 m); climatic conditions similar to temperate regions even at subtropical latitudes. Associated with supporting fern-feeding and conifer-feeding .

Distribution

Holarctic region primarily. China: Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Liaoning, Beijing, Henan, Shanxi, Shan'xi, Jilin, Heilongjiang provinces. Europe: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Austria. Records suggest affinity for northern temperate and montane environments.

Host Associations

Cephalcia lariciphila - for C. nigrum, C. rufofasciatum, C. pineatum, C. spiraculare
Acantholyda posticalis - for C. pineatum
Neurotoma sibirica - for C. tomentosum; new host record
Blasticotoma filiceti - for Seleucus cuneiformis (related in Ctenopelmatinae)

Life Cycle

Koinobiont endoparasitoid of larval . Development occurs within living larvae. timing appears linked to host emergence; in one related , adults emerged 4 weeks after host and continued for two weeks.

Behavior

Females possess elongated metasoma adapted for oviposition into galls or concealed larval chambers. In at least one related , females exhibit morphological change shortly after : metasoma expands from initial droplet-shaped (male-like) form to elongated form typical of females.

Ecological Role

of larvae, contributing to of phytophagous sawflies including pests of conifers and ferns. May influence structure of forest and montane through suppression.

Human Relevance

Some have been reared from pests of larch (Cephalcia lariciphila) and pine, suggesting potential as agents for conifer pest management. No direct negative impacts on humans recorded.

Similar Taxa

SeleucusBoth belong to Ctenopelmatinae and share koinobiont endoparasitoid on larvae. Distinguished by morphological features and associations; Seleucus includes with particularly rare host relationships such as fern-feeding sawflies.
AlexeterRelated in tribe Mesoleiini with similar as koinobiont endoparasitoids of larval . Distinguished by morphological characters and geographic distribution patterns.

More Details

Taxonomic notes

The Ctenopelma is the type genus of Ctenopelmatinae. Recent taxonomic work from China has expanded known significantly, with five new described in 2019. The genus exhibits classic Holarctic distribution patterns with tropical/montane disjunctions, consistent with its .

Research gaps

of most Ctenopelma remains poorly known. Detailed ranges, specificity, and seasonal are documented for few species. The 2019 Chinese revision provides the most comprehensive regional treatment but focuses on rather than .