Enicospilus guatemalensis
(Cameron, 1886)
Enicospilus guatemalensis is a of ichneumon in the Ichneumonidae, originally described from Guatemala. The Enicospilus belongs to the Ophioninae, characterized by large, gangly wasps that are often uniformly orange in color with long , large ocelli arranged in a triangle on the , and very short or nearly absent ovipositors. Species in this genus are and frequently attracted to artificial lights.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Enicospilus guatemalensis: //ɛnɪˈkɒspɪləs ˌɡwɑːtəˌmælˈɛnsɪs//
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Distribution
Known from Brazil (Minas Gerais) and Guatemala, based on available distribution records. The specific epithet 'guatemalensis' indicates the type locality.
Behavior
activity pattern with attraction to artificial light sources, consistent with other members of the Ophioninae.
Similar Taxa
- Netelia spp.Both are orange ichneumon wasps active at night and attracted to lights, but Netelia ( Tryphoninae) has a distinctly longer ovipositor and females can deliver painful stings when handled, whereas Ophioninae including Enicospilus have very short ovipositors and are generally considered unable to sting humans.
- Other OphioninaeMembers of the same share the characteristic short ovipositor, large ocelli, and light-seeking , but -level identification requires examination of wing venation and other detailed morphological features.
More Details
Taxonomic note
The was originally described by Cameron in 1886. The Enicospilus is a large and taxonomically challenging group within Ichneumonidae, with many species distinguished by subtle differences in wing venation and genitalia.
Observation data
iNaturalist records 71 observations for this , suggesting it is documented but not commonly encountered by citizen scientists.