Short-tailed Ichneumonid Wasps

Ophioninae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ophioninae: /oʊˌfaɪoʊˈnaɪniː/

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

Images

Enicospilus purgatus (Ichneumonidae) - (imago), Niagara (NY), United States by

This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Observation.org, a global biodiversity recording project.
. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Assorted Hymenoptera by Alex Wild by Alex Wild. Used under a CC0 license.

Ichneumon Wasp - Thyreodon species, Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Ichneumon wasp (Ichneumonidae, Thyreodon fernaldi) (36073554311) by Insects Unlocked from USA. Used under a CC0 license.

Thyreodon fernaldi (36073554311) by Insects Unlocked from USA. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Ophioninae is a diverse subfamily of Ichneumonidae, known for its koinobiont endoparasitic behavior mainly targeting Lepidoptera. They exhibit a wide distribution, particularly in tropical regions, and display unique morphological traits.

Physical Characteristics

Typically large, slender, and orange with compressed and curved abdomens. Body color usually pale brownish-orange, rarely black or red. Ocelli usually large and prominent; tarsal claws usually densely pectinate.

Identification Tips

Most Ophioninae can be recognized by the cell 3Cu of the forewing with an adventitious vein originating at 2/1A and parallel to the wing margin. The abdomen is laterally compressed with a rounded knob between the first and second segments. Ovipositors are short and barely extend beyond the metasomal apex.

Habitat

Wide range of habitats; they are known to come to lights. Most species are crepuscular or nocturnal, some diurnal.

Distribution

At least 54 recognized species and approximately 33 undescribed species in 7 genera north of Mexico; 32 genera worldwide arranged into 5 genus-groups.

Diet

Koinobiont endoparasitoids of the larvae of other holometabolous insects, primarily Lepidoptera, some species also parasitize larvae of Scarabaeidae (beetles). Hosts include moth larvae from families such as Noctuidae, Lasiocampidae, Lymantriidae, Saturniidae, Geometridae, Arctiidae, and Sphingidae.

Life Cycle

Pupae are ovoid with a distinct central clear band, characteristic of this subfamily. They develop inside host larvae.

Reproduction

Species possess ovipositors that are capable of stinging vertebrates, which is unusual among parasitic wasps.

Ecosystem Role

As parasitoids, they play an important role in controlling populations of their host insects, which include various moth larvae.