Trogus pennator

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Ichneumonoidea
Family: Ichneumonidae
Subfamily: Ichneumoninae
Tribe: Ichneumonini
Genus: Trogus
Species: pennator

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trogus pennator: //ˈtroʊ.ɡəs pɛnˈneɪ.tɔr//

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Summary

Trogus pennator is a parasitoid wasp species that targets caterpillars of swallowtail butterflies, contributing to natural population control of these insects.

Physical Characteristics

Approximately 19 mm in length and 33 mm wingspan. Generally has a low, rounded scutellum, and features a supra-antennal area with two low ridges medially (rarely developed into denticles).

Identification Tips

True T. pennator is identified by a low, rounded scutellum and the fifth tergite of the female lacking prominent ridge. It can be distinguished from T. vulpinus, which has a high, conical scutellum.

Habitat

Primarily found in the eastern United States and extreme southeastern Canada.

Distribution

Eastern US and extreme southeastern Canada.

Diet

Parasitoid of swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae), ovipositing in caterpillars.

Life Cycle

The solitary larva develops inside the caterpillar, pupating before killing it. The adult wasp chews an irregular hole in the chrysalis to escape after metamorphosis.

Reproduction

Oviposits in caterpillars of various swallowtail butterfly species.

Ecosystem Role

As a parasitoid, it plays a role in regulating butterfly populations.

Similar Taxa

Trogus vulpinus

Misconceptions

Some individuals may confuse Trogus pennator with Trogus vulpinus due to similarities, particularly the long setae on tergites 2-6.