Colpotrochia texana
(Cresson, 1872)
Colpotrochia texana is a small ichneumon in the Metopiinae, first described by Cresson in 1872. It is one of four North American in the Colpotrochia, which are koinobiont of caterpillars. The species is known from Brazil (Santa Catarina and São Paulo states) based on distribution records, though the genus as a whole ranges from the Atlantic coast of North America to just west of the Mississippi River.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colpotrochia texana: /kɔlpoˈtroʊkiə tɛkˈsænə/
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Identification
Members of Colpotrochia can be distinguished from other ichneumonid by features of the Metopiinae, including their compact body and short ovipositor. Within the genus, C. texana is distinguished from the two Massachusetts (C. crassipes and C. trifasciata) and other by specific morphological characters not detailed in available sources. Identification to species level requires examination of detailed morphological features and reference to specialized taxonomic keys.
Appearance
Small ichneumon , body length approximately 6–10 mm. Typical of Metopiinae, with compact body form and relatively short ovipositor compared to many other ichneumonids.
Distribution
Documented from Brazil: Santa Catarina and São Paulo states. The Colpotrochia is recorded from eastern North America west to barely beyond the Mississippi River, but specific North American records for C. texana are not confirmed in available sources.
Host Associations
- Lepidoptera larvae - Metopiinae are koinobiont of caterpillars; female lay in larvae, with wasps emerging from host pupae
Life Cycle
Koinobiont development: females oviposit into caterpillar using short ovipositor; larva develops inside living host, consuming it gradually without disrupting host's until host pupates; emerges from host pupa instead of adult .
Ecological Role
of Lepidoptera larvae, contributing to of caterpillars. As with other Metopiinae, likely plays a role in controlling leafroller (Tortricidae) based on documented associations for the .
Similar Taxa
- Colpotrochia crassipesAnother North American in same , distinguished by specific morphological characters
- Colpotrochia trifasciataAnother North American in same , distinguished by specific morphological characters
More Details
Taxonomic history
Originally described as Eiphosoma texanum by Cresson in 1872; later transferred to Colpotrochia. The contains four North American according to the Database of Hymenoptera in America North of Mexico.
Collection records
GBIF distribution records indicate presence in southern Brazil (Santa Catarina and São Paulo), suggesting either a broader Neotropical distribution than indicated by North American-focused databases, or potential taxonomic issues requiring verification.