Ichneumoninae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
Family: Ichneumonidae
Subfamily: Ichneumoninae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ichneumoninae: //ˌɪk.njuːˈmɒ.nɪ.naɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Trogus pennator wasp patuxent research refuge 9.4.21 DSC 7529 by lwolfartist. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Parasitic Wasp (33845607134) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Shaw et al 2015 Figs 1-4 by Mark Robert Shaw, Pieter Kan, Brigitte Kan-van Limburg Stirum. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Red Ichneumon (27881688170) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Cratichneumon w-album 7947137 by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Trogus lapidator by Tereshkin. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Ichneumoninae is the second largest subfamily of Ichneumonidae, consisting of approximately 700 species in 90 genera in the local area, with a broader global distribution of over 420 genera and 4,375 described species. They are characterized by colorful appearances and unique morphological traits. As endoparasitic wasps, they play a significant ecological role by parasitizing Lepidoptera, with adults feeding on honeydew and plant foliage.

Physical Characteristics

Typically large and colorful insects with a dorsoventrally flattened abdomen, long propodeum, and a pentagonal areolet in the fore wing. They have a truncate clypeus that exposes the labium, and shorter ovipositors. Adult body size ranges from 2.2 to 21.0 mm.

Identification Tips

Males and females of the same species may exhibit significant morphological differences. The presence of a pentagonal areolet and the shape of the abdomen are key identification features.

Habitat

Adults are typically found in various habitats as they search for hosts on the ground, particularly in areas where their host Lepidoptera larvae may be present.

Distribution

Worldwide, with a significant presence in diverse habitats across many regions.

Diet

Adults feed primarily on honeydew produced by aphids and on certain plant foliage.

Life Cycle

Ichneumoninae are internal parasites primarily of Lepidoptera. Females deposit one egg into host larvae or pupae, and the subsequent larvae feed on the host before emerging from the pupa as adults.

Reproduction

Females lay their eggs in or on the host larvae or pupae; the offspring emerge from the pupa, indicating an endoparasitic life cycle.

Ecosystem Role

As parasitoids, Ichneumoninae play an important role in controlling Lepidoptera populations, which may include pests that affect agriculture.

Evolution

Ichneumoninae is an ancient subfamily within the family Ichneumonidae, which has adapted diverse forms and behaviors in relation to their hosts through evolutionary processes.