Ophion

Ophion

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ophion: //ˈoʊ.fi.ɒn//

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

Images

Ophion bermudensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Ophion bermudensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Ophion bermudensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Ophion bermudensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Ophion bermudensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.
Ophion bermudensis by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Ophion is a genus of ichneumonid wasps that are nocturnal and parasitic, primarily targeting caterpillars. They have a widespread distribution, especially in temperate zones, and are characterized by their distinctive morphological traits.

Physical Characteristics

Body pale yellow to reddish brown; abdomen long, compressed on the sides; long pale antennae and legs; ovipositor of female barely visible at tip of abdomen; wings usually clear.

Identification Tips

Fore wing with vein r-rs at most slightly broadened basally, never abruptly curved; presence of ramellus usually well-developed; angular, roughly equilateral cell 2M is useful for identification when the ramellus is undeveloped; distinct median raised area at base of T2, semicircular or subtriangular in shape.

Habitat

Holarctic forest canopies and shrubby fields.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with the majority of species found in the temperate zone; 17 species described in the Nearctic and 79 in the Palearctic.

Diet

Ophion larva are parasitoids of caterpillars (mainly Lepidoptera). One species, Ophion nigrovarius, parasitizes may beetles.

Life Cycle

Adult Ophion species hunt for host caterpillars, laying usually one egg per host; caterpillars typically die during pupal stage; wasp larvae remains to pupate.

Reproduction

Sex determination: Males have absent ovipositor; females have inconspicuous ovipositor that does not protrude beyond the apex of the gaster.

Ecosystem Role

Endoparasites of insect larvae, particularly Lepidoptera.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Netting in suitable habitats
  • Search in areas where host caterpillars are found

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinned specimens
  • Point mounts

Similar Taxa

  • Afrophion
  • Alophophion
  • Xylophion
  • Sclerophion
  • Rhopalophion

Tags

  • Ophion
  • Ichneumonidae
  • Parasitic wasps
  • Lepidoptera
  • Nocturnal insects