Enicospilus americanus
(Christ, 1791)
A member of the Enicospilus americanus in the Ichneumonidae. This is one of seven in the complex recognized from eastern North America. The species was originally described by Christ in 1791 and remains taxonomically valid.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Enicospilus americanus: //ɛˌnɪkəˈspɪləs əˌmɛrɪˈkeɪnəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from other members of the E. americanus complex by morphological characters detailed in systematic keys. The as a whole requires careful examination for proper identification.
Images
Distribution
Eastern North America.
Life Cycle
Final instar larvae possess described cephalic capsules, indicating documented larval development stages.
Ecological Role
As a member of Ichneumonidae, functions as a , though specific relationships for this are not detailed in available sources.
Similar Taxa
- Enicospilus glabratusAlso member of E. americanus complex with overlapping eastern North American distribution
- Enicospilus texanusAnother redescribed in the same complex with similar range
- Enicospilus cushmaniNewly described in the complex, widespread in eastern North America and potentially sympatric
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
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- North America’s itsiest bitsiest longhorned beetle | Beetles In The Bush
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- The species of the Enicospilus americanus complex (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in eastern North America