Lycorina
Holmgren, 1859
Species Guides
2Lycorina is the sole of the Lycorininae, a group of ichneumon wasps containing approximately 30 . These are koinobiont of larval Lepidoptera that inhabit leaf rolls. The genus has a worldwide distribution with documented species in the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Nearctic regions. Historically, Lycorininae was treated as part of the subfamily Banchinae in older taxonomic literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Lycorina: //laɪˈkɔːrɪnə//
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Identification
Lycorina can be distinguished from other ichneumonid wasps using morphological characters detailed in illustrated dichotomous keys. The Afrotropical fauna includes seven recognized species, with identification supported by an interactive matrix key available at www.waspweb.org. Species-level identification relies on color pattern variation and structural , as documented in recent taxonomic revisions.
Images
Distribution
Worldwide distribution including Palearctic (Denmark, Norway, Sweden), Afrotropical, and Nearctic regions. Specific Afrotropical records include new distribution data for L. fici and L. globiceps.
Host Associations
- Lepidoptera - larval in leaf rolls
Ecological Role
Koinobiont of larval Lepidoptera in leaf rolls. The parasitoid allows the to continue feeding and developing while the larva consumes it internally.
Similar Taxa
- BanchinaeLycorininae was historically included within Banchinae in older taxonomic sources, and specimens may be misidentified as banchine without careful examination of -level characters.
More Details
Taxonomic history
Lycorininae was established as a distinct but was treated as part of Banchinae in older literature. The subfamily is now recognized as , containing only the Lycorina.
Recent taxonomic work
A 2014 revision of Afrotropical Lycorininae described three new (L. horstmanni, L. jacksonfive, L. riftensis) and expanded the description of L. globiceps to include previously undocumented color pattern variability.